What type of life jacket is required for passengers aboard a recreational boat?

Type I Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) are designed for maximum buoyancy and are especially suitable for use in rough waters. They are intended for people who may be unconscious or unable to help themselves and ensure that they will turn a person to face up in the water. This type of life jacket is ideal for passengers aboard recreational boats because it provides the highest level of safety in case of an emergency. It is particularly recommended in situations where immediate rescue might not be feasible, making it a crucial requirement for passenger safety.

Other types of PFDs, such as Type II and Type III, are more comfortable and designed for general recreational boating activities, but may not provide the same level of safety in severe conditions or for unresponsive individuals. Type IV is a throwable device, which is not designed to be worn but rather thrown to someone in need, making it less appropriate for all passengers on board. Thus, the requirement for Type I PFDs reinforces the importance of ensuring the highest safety standards are met for all boat passengers.