Who is responsible for ensuring all passengers wear approved PFDs before vessel departure?

• A. The Skipper or designated operator.
• B. The passengers themselves
• C. The base commander
• D. The harbor master

Answer: (A)

The person operating the vessel is responsible for safety checks, including making sure every passenger is wearing an approved life jacket before departure. This means conducting a quick pre-departure safety check, confirming that each PFD is U.S. Coast Guard–approved, properly fitted, and worn by everyone on board. The skipper or designated operator must communicate the requirement, assist with proper fitting, and delay departure if any passenger cannot or will not wear a PFD. While others on base or in authority oversee overall safety and operations, the day-to-day responsibility to enforce wearing PFDs falls to the operator of the vessel.