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DOT/USCG RIN: 2115-AG04 Publication ID: Spring 2003 
Title: Wearing of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) by Certain Children Aboard Recreational Vessels (USCG-2000-8589) 
Abstract: This rule requires every child under the age of 13 to wear a personal flotation device (PFD)--also called a lifejacket--while aboard a recreational vessel under way and while not below decks or in an enclosed cabin. It adopts, on waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States within any State, any requirement for the wearing of a PFD established by that State for a child under an age specified by that State. The rule also sets, on waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States within any State lacking any such requirement, its own, comparable requirements. This project supports the Coast Guard's strategic goal of maritime safety. 
Agency: Department of Transportation(DOT)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: First time published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Completed Actions 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 33 CFR 175, subpart B     (To search for a specific CFR, visit the Code of Federal Regulations.)
Legal Authority: 46 USC 4302   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  05/01/2001  66 FR 21717   
NPRM Comment Period End  08/29/2001    
Final Rule  02/27/2002  67 FR 8881   
Notice of Withdrawal of Final Rule  03/27/2002  67 FR 19643   
Withdrawal of Final Rule Effective  03/27/2002    
Interim Final Rule  06/24/2002  67 FR 42488   
Interim Final Rule Comment Period End  08/23/2002    
Interim Final Rule Effective  12/23/2002    
Transferred to RIN 1625-AA62  02/10/2003    
Additional Information: After publication of the final rule, the State Boating Law Administrator (BLA) of Ohio raised a concern about possible adverse impacts due to Federal enforcement of PFD-wearing requirements on vessels not subject to State requirements because of vessels' lengths. The Coast Guard withdrew the Final Rule before its effective date and later published an Interim Rule that allows public comment on a new alternative, which removes the potential differences between Federal and State requirements.
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
Agency Contact:
Carlton Perry
Project Manager, G-PCB-1
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20593-0001
Phone:202 267-1077