A. Except as provided in 4VAC15-430-40, it shall be unlawful to use a recreational vessel unless:

1. At least one wearable PFD is on board for each person;

2. Each PFD is used in accordance with any requirements on the approval label; and

3. Each PFD is used in accordance with any requirements in its owner's manual if the approval label makes reference to such a manual.

B. Except as provided in 4VAC15-430-40, it shall be unlawful to use a recreational vessel of 16 feet or greater unless one throwable PFD is on board in addition to the total number of PFDs required in subsection A of this section.

C. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 29.1-742 of the Code of Virginia, it shall be unlawful to operate a personal watercraft unless each person riding on the personal watercraft or being towed by it is wearing a wearable PFD that is approved for such activity.

D. No person may operate a recreational vessel under way with any child under 13 years of age aboard unless each such child is either:

1. Wearing an appropriate PDF approved by the United States Coast Guard, or

2. Below decks or in an enclosed cabin.

A. Any operator of a motorboat 26' or less, with a motor over 3 horsepower or capable of developing 115 pounds or more of static thrust, and equipped with an engine cut-off switch shall have attached to the engine cut-off switch to their person while on plane or otherwise in displacement mode unless the main helm of the vessel is within an enclosed cabin.

B. This section does not apply to Personal Watercraft as defined in §29.1-700.