TRENTON – The Senate Law and Public Safety Committee advanced legislation sponsored by Senator James Beach, which would require information to be provided regarding types of United States Coast Guard-approved personal floatation devices, commonly known as life jackets, under certain circumstances.

“When individuals rent or purchase life jackets, they deserve to know that the equipment they choose is appropriate and safe for their desired use,” said Senator Beach (D-Camden/Burlington). “By requiring that applications for vessels, boating safety courses, and commercial transactions include information about the three types of Coast Guard-approved life jackets, as well as ensuring the availability of the safest designs, we will empower consumers to make informed decisions and ultimately save lives.”

The bill, S-601, would require that the registration application for vessels and personal watercraft include information on the types of life jackets, including when each type is required under applicable State and federal laws, rules, and regulations, and when a particular type is recommended.

Additionally, the bill would require that the applicant acknowledge they have read the information by signing, initialing, or checking a box on the application, or by providing written or electronic confirmation of receipt. The Chief Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission would be required to consult with the Superintendent of State Police and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, or its successor organization, regarding the information to be included in the application.

The bill would require approved boating safety courses to include comprehensive instruction on the types of life jackets, including when each type is required under applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations, and when a particular type is recommended.

Under the bill, any person engaged in the business of selling or renting personal watercraft for use on the waters of this state would be required to provide each purchaser or renter, at the point of sale or rental, with informational materials prepared by the Superintendent of State Police regarding the types of life jackets, including when each type is required pursuant to applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations, and when the use of a particular type is recommended.

In addition, the bill would provide that any person who purchases or rents a personal watercraft would be required, at the time of the transaction, to acknowledge that they have read the information by signing, initialing, or checking a box on the purchase or rental agreement, or by providing written or electronic confirmation of receipt of the information.

Finally, under the provisions of the bill, any person engaged in the business of selling or renting a personal watercraft would be required to make available to each purchaser or renter the option to purchase or rent a Type I life jacket, regardless of whether other types of personal flotation devices are also available or offered as part of the sale or rental.