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New York
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1. Anyone <12 years of age on a vessel <65 feet, unless situated in an enclosed cabin; 2. Anyone towed behind a vessel; 3. Anyone on a personal watercraft; 4. Anyone on a vessel <21 feet between Nov 1st and May 1st.
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10. Any violation of the provisions of this section, or of a rule or regulation adopted pursuant to this section, shall constitute a violation punishable by a fine of not less than twenty-five nor more than one hundred dollars.
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I finally googled and found that there is a fine for not wearing PFDs on
motorboats, subject to the above.
and this is from the NY State boating guide:
"Life Jackets Every vessel including canoes, kayaks and row boats operated in NYS must have on board one USCG approved wearable life jacket for each person aboard. In addition, vessels 16 feet and greater in length except canoes and kayaks are required to have a USCG approved type IV throwable flotation aid. In order for any life jacket to be considered properly worn, any straps or zippers must be tied or zipped. Life jackets must be readily accessible. Meaning they must be reachable quickly in an emergency. Never store life jackets in plastic bags or under lock and key while under way. Life jackets must also be serviceable and of appropriate size for the wearer. A serviceable life jacket is free from tears, rot and punctures. In addition all fasteners must be attached and functional. Avoid if possible storing life jackets in direct sunlight, a wet environment and sitting on life jackets as this will accelerate wear and damage. Who must wear a life jacket!!! • Children under the age of 12 aboard pleasure vessels less than 65 feet in length, canoes, kayaks or rowboats unless in a totally enclosed cabin • Everyone being towed (wakeboarding, water skiing, tubing, etc.) • Everyone aboard pleasure vessels less than 21feet in length, including rowboats, canoes, and kayaks, while underway between November 1st and May 1st • Everyone aboard a PWC ."
