The bill S.172, introduced by Senator White, aims to enhance safety regulations for individuals aboard vessels during cold weather. It mandates that from November 1 to May 1, all individuals on an open deck of a vessel must wear a properly secured, U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device while the vessel is underway. This requirement is a new addition to the existing law, which already stipulates that vessels must carry a personal flotation device 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, 2026, providing a timeline for compliance with the new regulations.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 23-3306