For vessels between 26 and 40 feet, which configuration satisfies the Type IV PFD requirement?

For vessels between 26 and 40 feet, which configuration satisfies the Type IV PFD requirement?

• A. One ring buoy only
• B. Two ring buoys, or one cushion and one ring
• C. Two cushions
• D. No Type IV PFD required

Answer: (B)

For vessels in the 26–40 ft range, you must have two Type IV PFDs on board, and they must be readily accessible. Type IV PFDs are throwable devices used to help someone in the water; they are not worn but thrown to the person in need. The two devices on board must be configured as either two ring buoys, or one ring buoy and one buoyant cushion. These are the acceptable two-device combinations that meet the requirement. A single ring buoy does not satisfy the minimum of two throwables, and two cushions aren’t listed as an allowed combination for this length, so they wouldn’t meet the rule. So the configuration with two throwables, either two rings or one ring plus one cushion, provides the correct compliance.

For vessels in the 26–40 ft range, you must have two Type IV PFDs on board, and they must be readily accessible. Type IV PFDs are throwable devices used to help someone in the water; they are not worn but thrown to the person in need.

The two devices on board must be configured as either two ring buoys, or one ring buoy and one buoyant cushion. These are the acceptable two-device combinations that meet the requirement. A single ring buoy does not satisfy the minimum of two throwables, and two cushions aren’t listed as an allowed combination for this length, so they wouldn’t meet the rule.

So the configuration with two throwables, either two rings or one ring plus one cushion, provides the correct compliance.