Regulations last checked for updates: Dec 19, 2025

Title 46 - Shipping last revised: Nov 24, 2025
§ 169.543 - Distribution and stowage.

(a) Personal flotation devices must be distributed through the upper part of the vessel in protected places convenient to the persons on board.

(b) If practicable, personal flotation device containers must be designed to allow the PFDs to float free.

(c) Personal flotation devices for children, when provided, must be stowed separately.

(d) Lockers, boxes, and closets in which PFDs are stowed must not be capable of being locked.

authority: 33 U.S.C. 1321(j); 46 U.S.C. 3306,6101; Pub. L. 103-206, 107 Stat. 2439; E.O. 11735, 38 FR 21243, 3 CFR, 1971-1975 Comp., p. 793; DHS Delegation 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4; § 169.117 also issued under the authority of 44 U.S.C. 3507.
source: CGD 83-005, 51 FR 896, Jan. 9, 1986, unless otherwise noted.
cite as: 46 CFR 169.543