An act relating to requiring the use of personal flotation devices during cold weather

This Vermont bill (H.187) requires all individuals aboard non-commercial vessels to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) while on an open deck and the vessel is moving between November 1 and May 1 each year. It directly affects recreational boaters and vessel passengers during cold-weather months, excluding U.S. Coast Guard-inspected commercial vessels. The law mandates that PFDs be properly secured and meet federal approval standards, applying to all individuals on open decks while underway. The requirement becomes effective July 1, 2025.