---
title: Virginia life jacket (PFD) requirements
description: One wearable USCG-approved lifejacket for each person on board in Virginia. Children 13 years old and younger must wear PFD. Anyone being...
image: https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21118949/courses/usa2022/images/images-transparentes/pfd-iii.png
---

## Who is required to wear a USCG approved personal flotation device in Virginia?

According to Virginia boating laws, every vessel must carry **one wearable USCG-approved PFD for each person on board**. In **ADDITION**, at least 1 USCG approved Type IV (ring buoy or seat cushion) is required on all recreational boats 16 feet or greater except for:

- personal watercraft ;
- non-motorized canoes and kayaks 16’ in length or greater;
- racing shells, rowing sculls, racing canoes and racing kayaks;
- sail boards;
- vessels of the United States used by foreign competitors while practicing for or racing in competitions.

![Who is required to wear a USCG approved personal flotation device in Virginia?](https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21118949/hubfs/courses/usa2022/images/images-transparentes/pfd-iii.png?width=1100&height=919&name=pfd-iii.png)

## What age does a child have to wear a life jacket in Virginia?

Children 13 years old and younger must wear a USCG - approved life jacket at all times while underway on Federal Waters unless the child is below deck or inside the enclosed cabin of the boat.

![What age does a child have to wear a life jacket in Virginia?](https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21118949/hubfs/courses/pcoc2021/images/pfd-on-me.png?width=1100&height=992&name=pfd-on-me.png)

## PFD for a person being towed in Virginia

Anyone being towed behind a boat is required to wear a wearable PFD suitable for the intended activity or have an observer onboard other than the operator. Inflatable life jackets are prohibited from being used while skiing, riding on or operating a PWC, or by anyone younger than 16.

![Water skiing - orange flag](https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21118949/hubfs/courses/usa2022/images/images-transparentes/safety-flag-ski.png?width=1100&height=661&name=safety-flag-ski.png)

## PFD for Personal Watercraft in Virginia

Each person onboard a personal watercraft (PWC) is required to wear a wearable PFD suitable for the intended activity.

![PWC](https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21118949/hubfs/courses/usa2022/images/images-transparentes/pwc.png?width=1100&height=664&name=pwc.png)

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