Indiana Code
Chapter 2. Watercraft Equipment
14-15-2-6. Personal Flotation Devices

Sec. 6. (a) This section does not apply to the following:
(1) A sailboard or windsurfing board.
(2) A manually propelled boat, such as a racing shell, rowing scull, or racing kayak:
(A) that is recognized by national or international racing associations for use in competitive racing;
(B) in which all occupants row, scull, or paddle, with the exception of a coxswain if a coxswain is provided; and
(C) that is designed to carry and carries equipment only for competitive racing.
(b) All boats must be equipped with the number and type of personal flotation devices listed in this subsection. A person may not operate a boat unless the boat contains:
(1) for each person on board, one (1) personal flotation device that meets the requirements for designation by the United States Coast Guard as a wearable personal flotation device; and
(2) for a boat, except a canoe or kayak, at least sixteen (16) feet in length and in addition to the requirements of subdivision (1), one (1) personal flotation device that meets the requirements for designation by the United States Coast Guard as a throwable personal flotation device.
(c) The director may waive the requirements of this section for a boat during competition in a boat race for which a permit has been issued by the department if the following conditions are met:
(1) The sponsor of the boat race has informed the director of the precautions the sponsor will take to minimize the safety hazards that exist due to noncompliance with the requirements of this section.
(2) The sponsor files with the director a document under which the sponsor assumes all liability that may result from the use of a boat under the waiver.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-7(a), (c), (d).]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.38-2000, SEC.2; P.L.24-2001, SEC.1; P.L.111-2016, SEC.9.