Re: [Paddlewise] Palm BAs (PFD)

From: Dave Kruger <dkruger_at_seasurf.com>
Date: Mon, 02 Mar 1998 22:05:45 -0800
Frank Lucian wrote:
> 
> 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?

Enforcement in my area is nonexistent for paddlecraft, except whenever
the Sheriff's Marine Patrol is out.  Informally, USCG personnel say they
are happy people wear ANY PFD, in lieu of none.  Same is true in Canada,
in my experience.  Used to be a restriction on the color of PFD in
Canada -- I was paranoid because my USCG-approved vest was the wrong
color.  Nobody notices.

OTOH, if you were running a charter boat for hire or a USCG-certified
vessel, there would be inspections, albeit random and infrequent. 
Around here, sometimes a power boat is boarded and checked out.  They
write people up for no life jackets, no fire extinguisher, etc.

Not enough enforcement personnel to keep track of a few random sea
kayakers.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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Received on Mon Mar 02 1998 - 22:03:34 PST

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