From AZGFD website about boating
Life Jackets – Personal Flotation Devices
Bass boats must have at least one wearable Type I, II, III or V life jacket (PFD) that is U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved and of the proper size for each person on board.
Life jackets must be readily accessible, in good and serviceable condition, and sized for the intended wearer. In addition to the above requirements, bass boats must have one Type IV USCG approved throwable flotation device on board and readily accessible.
All children 12 years of age and younger must wear a USCG approved Type I, II, III life jacket (PFD) anytime while underway on any vessel. The life jacket must be worn according to the design of the manufacturer’s recommended use and must fit the child properly. All snaps must be snapped, and zippers and fasteners closed.
Each person on a personal watercraft such as a Jet Ski or Wave Runner must wear a USCG approved Type I, II, III PFD (life jacket) with all fasteners and closures secured according to the manufacturer’s design and recommended use. Further, the life jacket must be adjusted for a snug fit.
Each person being towed behind a vessel on water skis or a similar device must wear a life jacket or buoyant belt. Note, however, that buoyant belts are not approved by the USCG.
Life Jackets – Personal Flotation Devices
Bass boats must have at least one wearable Type I, II, III or V life jacket (PFD) that is U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved and of the proper size for each person on board.
Life jackets must be readily accessible, in good and serviceable condition, and sized for the intended wearer. In addition to the above requirements, bass boats must have one Type IV USCG approved throwable flotation device on board and readily accessible.
All children 12 years of age and younger must wear a USCG approved Type I, II, III life jacket (PFD) anytime while underway on any vessel. The life jacket must be worn according to the design of the manufacturer’s recommended use and must fit the child properly. All snaps must be snapped, and zippers and fasteners closed.
Each person on a personal watercraft such as a Jet Ski or Wave Runner must wear a USCG approved Type I, II, III PFD (life jacket) with all fasteners and closures secured according to the manufacturer’s design and recommended use. Further, the life jacket must be adjusted for a snug fit.
Each person being towed behind a vessel on water skis or a similar device must wear a life jacket or buoyant belt. Note, however, that buoyant belts are not approved by the USCG.
Every PFD has a manufacturer's tag that provides details about the type, use and maintenance. I got stopped at Alamo once by AZGFD and found out my PFD, which was a Type V, had to be worn at all times. All PFD's require proper fit to ensure proper buoyancy. Most PFD's do not automatically upright the head if you are unconscious. In addition, there are many hybrid PFD's that provide features that crossover. My opinion, you want a PFD that auto-inflates, as most of us can't even remember which side of the vest the pull cord is located. Many guys prefer the type V, but if your top half is heavier than your bottom half, are you sure your head won't end up under water?
Type V
Bass Pro Shops Manual inflatable $105
Required to be worn at all times on water to be counted as regulation PFD.
Pros- lightweight
Cons - Must pull cord to inflate, must be worn at all times. Must ensure proper fit for good buoyancy.
Type III
Mustang Survival ACCEL100 $79
Not required to be worn to be counted as a regulation PFD
Pros- Highest speed rating of any PFD, very buoyant
Cons- less comfortable, hotter and more restrictive.
Type II
Mustang Survival Competition with HIT $239
Not required to be worn to be counted as regulation PFD.
Pros - lightweight, HIT technology auto inflates when submerged 4 inches in water, wont inflate in rain. Doesn’t have to be worn at all times.
Cons- Expensive.
Type V
Onyx M-24 Manual Inflatable belt pack $100
Required to be worn at all times on water to be counted as regulation PFD.
Pros- least bulky, high inflation, good for continuous wear
Cons-must pull cord to inflate, may not adequately float some users, may not upright some users.
Type IV
Bass Pro Shops throw cushion $13
Required on all bass boats in addition to PFD’s.
Pro’s- Can be thrown to someone or used as a seat cushion.
Con’s - Not for unconscious persons.
Type IV
Bass Pro Shops throw cushion $13
Required on all bass boats in addition to PFD’s.
Pro’s- Can be thrown to someone or used as a seat cushion.
Con’s - Not for unconscious persons.
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