Bill H.187, introduced by Representative Garofano of Essex, aims to enhance safety regulations for individuals aboard vessels during cold weather. The bill mandates that from November 1 to May 1, all individuals on board a vessel must wear a properly secured, U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device while the vessel is underway and the individual is on an open deck. This requirement is a new addition to the existing law, which already stipulates that vessels must carry personal flotation devices for each individual on board.

Additionally, the bill specifies that U.S. Coast Guard-inspected commercial vessels are exempt from this new requirement. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, ensuring that the regulations are in place for the upcoming cold weather seasons.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 23-3306