b'S A F E T Y E Q U I P M E N TSafety Connecticut Life Jacket and Personal Flotation Device (PFD) LawsThere must be a wearable life jacket for each person aboard every Equipment vessel in Connecticut. Each life jacket must be readily accessible and properly fit the intended wearer. If the vessel is required to have a Type IV throwable PFD (see page 20 ), it must be immediately available. Every year, life jackets must be worn by anyone in or operating a manu-ally propelled vessel from October 1st through May 31st. In addition, life jackets must:Be U.S. Coast Guard approved Have a legible label Be in serviceable condition, meaning all straps, buckles, seams, and material are in good condition, intact, and able to perform. Further life jackets laws.Ski belts are not legal life jackets Inflatable life jackets may not be used by persons engaged in high-speed water sports such as riding PWCs or water skiing and may not be used by persons weighing under 90 lbs. or under 16 years of age Inflatable life jackets may be a Type II, Type III, or V, check the label to determine if it must be worn to count as a personal flotation device Life jackets must be worn by children under 13 years old on any vessel that is underway unless the child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin All vessels 16 feet and over must also carry a Type IV throwable device in addition to the required number of wearable life jacketsSound Producing Devices Every vessel of 40 ft. (12.2 meters) or less in length must have some means of making an efficient sound signal. For vessels up to 40 feet in length, a handheld whistle, air horn or similar sound producing devices that is audible formile, may be used. Vessels greater than 40 feet must have a power-operated sound producing device that is audible for one mile and a bell.Fire ExtinguishersFire extinguishers kept on vessels must be the correct type and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Please see the tables on page 21, for specific fire extinguisher regulations based on a vessels length or class. Please note that the ratings on new model fire extinguishers have changed. The ratings now reflect the material the extinguisher is rated for, which is represented with a letter, and how large of a fire the extinguisher can handle, which is represented with a number. Refer to the table on page 21 to see if you need fire extinguishers on your vessel with the updated ratings. Its recommended boaters ensure that fire extinguishers are properly mounted where they can be easily reached. Frequently check pressure gauges for proper pressure. Shake dry chemical units to be sure the chemical has not solidified and become useless. Replace any questionable extinguish-ers. As of April 20, 2022, a fire extinguisher is considered expired if it is more than 12 years old. Please check the date stamped on the PHOTO: FRANK POLLIFRONE bottom of your fire extinguisher. 2023 Connecticut BOATERS GUIDE17'