33 CFR § 175.13 - Definitions.
---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t33/s175.13"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "33 CFR § 175.13 - Definitions."
title_number: 33
title_name: "Navigation and Navigable Waters"
section_number: "175.13"
section_name: "Definitions."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "S"
subchapter_name: "BOATING SAFETY"
part_number: "175"
part_name: "EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "46 U.S.C. 4302; DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.3."
regulatory_source: "CGD 72-120R, 38 FR 8115, Mar. 28, 1973, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "175"
---
# 175.13 Definitions.
As used in this subpart:
*Personal flotation device* or *PFD* means a device that is approved by the Commandant under 46 CFR part 160.
*Throwable PFD* means a PFD that is intended to be thrown to a person in the water. A PFD marked as Type IV or Type V with Type IV performance is considered a throwable PFD. Unless specifically marked otherwise, a wearable PFD is not a throwable PFD.
*Wearable PFD* means a PFD that is intended to be worn or otherwise attached to the body. A PFD marked as Type I, Type II, Type III, or Type V with Type (I, II or III) performance is considered a wearable PFD.
[USCG-2013-0263, 79 FR 56499, Sept. 22, 2014]