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 younger than 13 years of age aboard, unless the child is either:

1. Wearing an appropriate PFD approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, or

2. Below decks or in an enclosed cabin.

A. Any operator of a motorboat 26 feet or shorter with a motor over three horsepower or capable of developing 115 pounds or more of static thrust and equipped with an engine cut-off switch shall attach the engine cut-off switch tether to the operator's person while on plane or otherwise  [ in displacement mode above displacement speed ] , 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 of the Code of Virginia.