How many properly fitted PFDs should a typical recreational boat carry?

• A. One
• B. Two
• C. One for every person aboard
• D. Five plus one spare

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is that safety hinges on having a life jacket for everyone on board so each person can be protected immediately if they go overboard. On a typical recreational boat, you don’t know who will be aboard at any moment, so the best practice is to equip each person with a properly fitted PFD that’s readily accessible. That way, in an emergency, there’s no scramble to find a jacket or to size someone up; the correct-sized PFD is already available and can be worn quickly. The other options fall short because they either leave someone without a jacket or rely on extra spares that may not be on hand when needed. In short, one PFD per person ensures universal protection and readiness.