Re: [Paddlewise] Palm BAs (PFD)

> I have thought about getting a Palm buoyancy aid (PFD) but noticed that
> they were not US Coast Guard approved. Do those of you using them just
> figure that because you obviously have a PFD on, no one will check to
> see if it is approved? Also, I have wondered if I was out and did get
> checked, what would happen? Would I get a ticket, not be allowed to
> continue, or what? If someone really was going to enforce this, it
> wouldn't take them long to learn to look for the Palm logo (and/or rear
> pocket or whatever) know if it was approved or not.

If you are an adult, the rules only require you to have an
approved PFD on board.  Just because you have an approved one
stuffed in your rear hatch, doesn't mean you can't wear the
PFD that *you* trust and prefer.   At least thats the way
Texas law goes.  Your state may be different.  So go to
Academy, and buy a $15 coast guard approved vest, and use 
it as extra boyouncy, then wear the vest you think best fits
your needs.

As to checking to see if a vest is approved, our Game Wardens
down here will write you a ticket asap for using an unapproved
PFD for fulfilling your legal requirement.  Sheriffs offices
will also often send folks to public boat ramps to check
powerboaters coming off the bay for fire extinguishers; I
wouldn't put it past them to check to see if you have an
approved vest onboard.

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