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On Oct. 22 the US Coast Guard will drop the current life jacket type code scheme  -- Type I, II, III, IV and V -- that has been used for years to label and differentiate the types of life jackets and their specific use. The move benefits recreational boaters and will facilitate new industry consensus standards for PFD labeling that more effectively convey safety information. Removing the codes that currently specify the various types of PFDs and their uses is a step toward harmonization of the regulations for PFDs in Canada and in other countries. It also simplifies life jacket requirements for boaters who may find the code system confusing.

NMMA previously submitted comments, supporting this move and noting that the type code system was complicated stating, "Consumers find it difficult to understand and thereby creates a further impediment to wear. Regulations should not be so complicated as to discourage the valuable use of a safety device. We must balance the need to regulate safety standards with the practicality of use. The current proposal opens a path to consider how the life jacket will be used and for which activity, rather than an arbitrary categorical system that produced a rather unworkable framework."

Nicole Vasilaros, Director of Federal and Legal Affairs for NMMA says, "We applaud the US Coast Guard's work to help eliminate confusion from the PFD labeling system and ease the burden on boaters who may not be able to easily decipher the codes or their meanings. We must now remain committed to educating consumers about how best to choose a PFD for their specific needs."

While the move is a positive one, boaters must still abide by the current standards when using older life jackets marked with the Type I-V labeling, as they will remain legal for use. A full list of the current life jacket types and descriptions can be found at BoatUS.org/life-jackets, and any update on new life jacket types and styles will be posted there when available.