SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/boat-worn-only-label

A life jacket label says 'Approved only when worn.' What does that mean?

It only counts toward the legal requirement if someone is wearing it.

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  1. It counts only when worn ✔
  2. It is approved for kids only
  3. It may be stored anywhere

Why: Some life jackets, including many inflatables, must be worn to meet the carriage rule. Stashed under a seat, they don't count as your required life jacket.

Huh, didn't know that: Federal rules say each PFD must be used according to the requirements on its approval label.

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Why did the inflatable life jacket feel left out? It only counts when it's on.
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References

Answer: It counts only when worn. Some life jackets, including many inflatables, must be worn to meet the carriage rule. Stashed under a seat, they don't count as your required life jacket.

  1. NASBLA ESP TR 103-2022, Basic Boating Knowledge Core Plus Power technical report higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NASBLA/76594a34-f3a1-4916-95ac-1e9c872170cc/UploadedImages/education/national-education-standards/ESP_TR_ESP_103_Core_Plus_Power_2022_06_01FINAL.pdf
    Some life jackets must be worn to meet carriage requirements. The label will indicate life jacket is "Approved only when worn".
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. NASBLA ESP TR 103-2022, Basic Boating Knowledge Core Plus Power technical report higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NASBLA/76594a34-f3a1-4916-95ac-1e9c872170cc/UploadedImages/education/national-education-standards/ESP_TR_ESP_103_Core_Plus_Power_2022_06_01FINAL.pdf
    Each PFD is used in accordance with any requirements on the approval label
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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