Events

MD Preparing to Pass Mandatory Life Jacket Law

Will apply to all on board except when below decks

Department of Legislative Services
Maryland General Assembly
2006 Session
FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
House Bill 140 (Delegate Pugh, et al.)
Environmental Matters

Public Safety - Personal Flotation Devices - Mandatory Use

This bill requires an individual operating a recreational vessel to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) that is securely and properly attached. The bill prohibits an individual from operating or allowing the operation of a vessel while there is present in the vessel an individual not wearing a PFD that is securely and properly attached. The prohibitions apply regardless of age or size of the vessel. The mandatory PFD provisions would not apply to a vessel moored or anchored or to an individual below deck or in an enclosed cabin.

Comment: Although I am not personally in favor, I do believe this law may save lives, just as seat belts have over the years. And yes, I was against seat belts and the restriction of my personal freedom of choice. And no, I wouldn't feel comfortable without a seat belt today. Ireland passed such a PFD law last year and enforced it stringently. Although the people were incensed at first, they seem to be adjusting and actually feeling more comfortable on the water. Whether it reduces or increases the number of accidents (people may get more careless if they think they are protected), remains to be seen. It will certainly alleviate mixed messages when parents force their children to wear life jackets, then avoid wearing the jackets themselves. Anyone opposed to this proposed legislation should write to their MD state representatives.

Posted April 2006.