Earlier this year, the U.S. Coast Guard implemented a new rule to harmonize standards for personal flotation devices (PFDs) with Canada. This change incorporates new American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards for PFDs, allowing manufacturers to seek Coast Guard approval for Level 50 and Level 70 buoyancy aids and Level 100 lifejackets.
These new standards, which are also adopted by Transport Canada, mean that PFDs approved under this rule will meet carriage requirements in both the United States and Canada.
This rule does not affect currently approved PFDs. Boaters may continue to use their existing lifejackets, but the Coast Guard will not issue any new approvals under these older series after the rule takes effect.
Read Next: The Importance of Wearing a Life Jacket
Our friends at Mustang Survival worked with both the USCG and Transport Canada on the changes, and their new Elite 120 and 190 inflatable PFDs are among the first to be approved under the new Harmonized Level 70 standard.
Whether you’re keeping your old life jacket on board or buying new ones that meet the new standards, the important thing is to wear one on the water. Like buckling your seat belt in your car, wearing a PFD can save your life.
