Section 281.3503. Personal flotation devices and water light.

Rule  503.   (1)  The  owner   of  a  vessel   shall  provide   1  coast guard-approved type I personal flotation device,  of  a  proper  size,  for each person, including the crew, to be carried onboard. Each device shall be inspected at the dockside inspection.

(2)   The owner of a vessel which operates on the Great Lakes and Lake St. Clair shall affix, in a suitable manner, to all type I personal flotation devices carried aboard the vessel, 200 square centimeters (31.5 sq. in.)  of  coast  guard-approved retroreflective material to the outside of each device and 200 square centimeters (31.5 sq. in.) to the inside  of each device.

(3)   The owner of a vessel shall have a ring life buoy not less than 20 inches in diameter aboard the vessel. The ring life buoy shall comply with all of the following requirements:

(a)   Be readily accessible in a suitable location.

(b)   Have attached, in a suitable manner, not less than 50 feet of line.

(c)   Be marked as required by R 281.3117.

(4)     The owner of a vessel shall provide  a  water   light  which   is self-activating upon contact with the water and which is approved by the marine inspector. The light shall  be stored  in  a   readily accessible location near the ring life buoy  and  shall   be  in

good  and  serviceable condition. When, at the owner's  discretion,  the light is  attached to the ring life buoy, it shall be attached by a line at least 1 foot in length.

History: 1982 AACS.