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Virginia Administrative Code
Title 4. Conservation And Natural Resources
Agency 15. Department of Wildlife Resources
Chapter 430. Watercraft: Safety Equipment Requirements
1/16/2021

4VAC15-430-40. Personal flotation device exemptions.

A. The following vessels are not required to carry an additional throwable PFD.

1. Personal watercraft.

2. Nonmotorized canoes and kayaks 16 feet in length and over.

B. The following vessels are not required to carry any PFD:

1. Racing shells, rowing sculls, racing canoes, and racing kayaks while participating in or preparing and practicing for a race.

2. Sailboards.

C. Vessels of the United States used by foreign competitors while practicing for or racing in competition are not required to carry any PFD, provided the vessel carries one of the sponsoring foreign country's acceptable flotation devices for each foreign competitor onboard.

Statutory Authority

§ 29.1-701 and 29.1-735 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 19, Issue 05, eff. January 1, 2003; Errata, 19:14 VA.R. 2176 March 24, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 09, eff. January 1, 2013; Volume 36, Issue 02, eff. October 1, 2019.

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