Vessels: equipment requirements: personal flotation devices.

(1) Existing law governs vessels and associated equipment used, to be used, or carried in vessels used on waters subject to the jurisdiction of this state, except as provided. For these purposes, existing law defines vessel to mean every description of watercraft used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water, except as specified. This bill would define vessel to mean every description of a watercraft or other artificial contrivance used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water, except as specified. (2) Existing law requires a person under 13 years of age to wear a United States Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device when aboard a motorboat, sailboat, or vessel that is underway, except as provided. Existing law requires a person on board a personal watercraft or a person being towed behind a vessel on water skis, an aquaplane, or similar device to wear a specific type of United States Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device, except as provided. Existing law makes a violation of these requirements an infraction. This bill would delete the requirements that the United States Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device be of a specific type and would require that it be used in accordance with approval labels and manufacturer's instructions. Because existing law makes a violation of these requirements an infraction, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. (3) The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.