{"data":{"id":"us/46-cfr-28.115","jurisdiction":"us","citation":"46 CFR 28.115","heading":"Ring life buoys.","body":"(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section and § 28.305, each vessel must be equipped with a throwable flotation device or a ring life buoy as specified in table 28.115. If the vessel is equipped with a ring life buoy, at least one ring life buoy must be equipped with a line which is at least:\n(1) 60 feet (18.3 meters) in length for a vessel less than 65 feet (19.8 meters) in length; or\n(2) 90 feet (27.4 meters) in length for a vessel 65 feet (19.8 meters) or more in length.\n(b) For each vessel less than 65 feet (19.8 meters) in length, an approved 20 inch (0.51 meters) or larger ring life buoy which is in serviceable condition and which was installed on board before September 15, 1991, may be used to meet the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section.\nTable 28.115—Throwable Flotation Devices\nVessel length Devices required\nLess than 16 feet (4.9 meters) None.\n16 feet (4.9 meters) or more, but less than 26 feet (7.9 meters) 1 buoyant cushion, or ring life buoy (Type IV PFD).\n26 feet (7.9 meters) or more, but less than 65 feet (19.8 meters) 1 ring life buoy approval number starting with 160.009 or 160.050; orange; at least 24 inch (0.61 meters) size.\n65 feet (19.8 meters) or more 3 ring life buoys, approval number 160.050; orange; at least 24 inch (0.61 meters) size.\nNote:\nCertain Type V PFDs are approved for use in substitution for Type IV PFDs, when used in accordance with the conditions stated in the Coast Guard approval label.","path":["Title 46—Shipping","CHAPTER I—COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY","SUBCHAPTER C—UNINSPECTED VESSELS","PART 28—REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL FISHING INDUSTRY VESSELS","Subpart B—Requirements for All Vessels"],"source_url":"https://www.ecfr.gov/api/versioner/v1/full/2026-08-25/title-46.xml","current_through":"2026-08-25","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-08-27T02:26:22Z","sha256":"59b4b0f0686d74105bb51d9ce24d3477e746ab2d6b4a3d61f2b789749497b79a","source_id":"us-cfr","stale":true,"prev":"us/46-cfr-28.110","next":"us/46-cfr-28.120"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}