Life Jackets and PFD's

[weephee]

When I purchased my sailboat 2 years ago it came equipped with brand new, good quality life jackets and PDF's. I thought this was great and will have saved myself some money ie. no need to purchase new ones. The boat I purchased was in Maryland and I live in Canada. Well I have recently found out that the USCG approved life jackets are not approved for Canadian use. I was wondering if Americans float differently than Canadians and when I asked the Canadian Coast guard that question, they didn't know but did say it was legal to have the US brand on board but I still need Canadian approved ones as well. BTW, both the Canadian and US jackets and PDF's are made by the same company that made the ones I have that came with my boat. So, do Americans float differently than we Canadians. Maybe their specific gravity is different. LOL

[CaptFoolhardy]

Canadians require extra flotation (it's all that back bacon, eh) .

[rikhall]

Each government (Federal, National and in some cases State and Provincial) have their own regulations. Agree or not, Canada has a uniform set of Marine safety Regulations. A very interesting experiment is to make your boat "legal" in Maine with two adults and two kids and start "sailing" south. By the time you reach Annapolis, you will have been illegal on one or two items in almost every State you pass through.

The exact same flares I buy for my boat are only legal if I buy them in Canada. Same flare, same manufacturer.

Have fun on the water with your new boat, and be safe out there.

Rik

[treilley]

Originally Posted by CaptFoolhardy

Canadians require extra flotation (it's all that back bacon, eh) .

I disagree, the alcohol content from the beer cancels out the back bacon.

[jackdale]

Why are US Coast Guard lifejackets or PFDs not approved in Canada?
The Canadian Standards and methods of testing and approving lifejackets and
PFDs are quite different from those of the United States. However there is a
review to develop a North American standard but we are several years away from
this becoming reality.

http://www.ccga-m.ca/Documents/PDF/P...Q&A%202008.pdf

[DwayneSpeer]

Originally Posted by treilley

I disagree, the alcohol content from the beer cancels out the back bacon.

Fat floats! Eat enough back bacon and you don't need a life jacket.