Mandatory life jackets considered

The coast is requesting comments on a requirement the wearing of life jackets at all times while in a boat of a certain size, perhaps 16 or 20 feet in length. This requirement could create awkward situations for divers. Many life jackets do not readily fit over a BC and tank.

The part of the proposal which is most relevant to divers is the following:

2. Should we propose Federal rules requiring that any or all of the following recreational boaters wear lifejackets while underway? If so, which?

b. Any boater on a recreational vessel less than 16 feet in length, less than 20 feet in length, or some other length?

c. Any boater on a specific type of recreational vessel, such as an open motorboat, a PWC, a sailboat, a sailboard, a rowboat, a canoe, or a kayak?

You may obtain a copy of this notice by calling the U.S. Coast Guard Infoline at 1-800-368-5647, or read it on the Internet at the Web Site for the Office of Boating Safety at http://www.uscgboating.org or at http://dms.dot.gov.

(1) By mail to the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, room PL-401, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001.

(2) By hand delivery to room PL-401 on the Plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street S.W., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number is 202-366-9329.

(3) By fax to the Docket Management Facility at 202-493-2251 .

(4) Electronically through the Web Site for the Docket Management System at http://dms.dot.gov.