Hawaii PFD Requirements
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
- The state of Hawaii requires one wearable Type I, II, III, or V PFD for each person aboard all recreational vessels.
- Ensure PFDs are readily accessible.
- At least one Type IV (throwable device) PFD must be kept onboard any vessel 16 feet or longer except canoes and kayaks.
- All passengers onboard a PWC must be wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved Typr I, II, III or V PFD at all times.
- Inflatable PFDs are not approved for children or for use during high impact sports such as waterskiing or operating a PWC.
Children: All boaters or passengers
12 years of age and younger must be wearing their PFD while onboard regardless if the vessel is underway or not.
Hawaii law requires the owner and/or operator of a vessel is responsible to carry, store, maintain, and use the safety equipment required by the federal safety equipment requirements adopted by the U.S. Coast Guard.