Where is personal flotation equipment (PFD) required to be stored?

Personal flotation devices (PFDs) are critical for safety on the water, and their storage is governed by regulations to ensure they can be quickly accessed in an emergency. Storing PFDs in easily accessible locations on the vessel guarantees that all passengers can reach them without delay, should the need arise. The goal is to facilitate a quick response to on-water emergencies, such as capsizing or a person falling overboard.

Additionally, regulations typically specify that PFDs must be readily available, rather than tucked away in hard-to-reach areas, which enhances the safety of everyone on board. Options that suggest PFDs be kept in locked compartments or stored under seating areas do not meet the requirement of accessibility. While those areas might be safe, they could impede rapid access, which would be counterproductive in a crisis situation. Storing them anywhere without consideration for accessibility could also create hazards, particularly in the chaos of an emergency.