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Q&A Regarding Life Jackets

This is an official rule interpretation by the class. Questions were submitted by current sailors or coaches. Answers are provided by the C420 Class Measurer, Dan Bornarth.

QUESTION 1: Who is required to wear a USCG approved life jacket, and who can wear a buoyancy aid?

ANSWER 1: See class rule below. If you are a United States citizen, or your primary residence is in the United States, you are required to wear a USCG approved life jacket that is inherently buoyant. If you are a foreign citizen, you can either wear a USCG approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times while afloat, or a PFD approved by the country of your citizenship or residence.

Example A: A Canadian citizen who lives in Ontario as their primary residence may wear any life jacket as long as it is legal in Ontario (this should be stamped “CAN/CHSB-65.7- 2007”).

Example B: A C420 sailor with dual citizenship, USA and Canada, but whose primary residence is in Rochester, NY, is required to wear a USCG approved life jacket.

Example C: A C420 sailor from the USVI is required to wear a USCG approved life jacket since they are a US citizen and a resident of a US territory.

QUESTION 2: Am I allowed to wear the life jacket I wore when I sailed optis?

ANSWER 2: It depends. Often times opti sailors will wear USCG YOUTH size life jackets that are only rated for users up to 90 lbs. In order for a life jacket to meet USCG requirements, it must be worn as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions, free of any rips or tears and have a label that is able to be read.

C420 Class Rule C.3.5

C.3.5 For any race or series of races, competitors who are US citizens or US residents shall wear a US Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times while afloat. Competitors who are residents of another country shall wear either a US Coast Guard approved PFD or a PFD approved by the country of their citizenship or residence. The PFD shall not be an inflatable type life jacket. The PFD may be removed temporarily so that clothing may be changed, added or removed.