Sailboats hit with new life jacket requirements

Sailboats that are used commercially must be equipped with enough life jackets for everyone on board under new rules from the Coast Guard.

The new rules would apply to all commercial sailboats and other vessels without motors — but recreational sailboats for personal use would not be required to carry life jackets. 

“The Coast Guard is now requiring the use of wearable personal flotation devices for individuals on board those vessels,” the agency wrote in the Federal Register.

Previously, only commercial sailboats that were carrying passengers on tours were required to do this, but now all commercial sailboats, such as those used for fishing, would be required to carry some sort of personal flotation device for everyone on board.

The new rule goes into effect in 30 days.