33 CFR § 175.21 - Condition; size and fit; approval marking.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t33/s175.21"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "33 CFR § 175.21 - Condition; size and fit; approval marking."
title_number: 33
title_name: "Navigation and Navigable Waters"
section_number: "175.21"
section_name: "Condition; size and fit; approval marking."
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"
---


# 175.21 Condition; size and fit; approval marking.

No person may use a recreational boat unless each PFD required by § 175.15 is—

(a) In serviceable condition as provided in § 175.23;

(b) Of an appropriate size and fit for the intended wearer, as marked on the approval label; and

(c) Legibly marked with its approval number, as specified in 46 CFR part 160.

[CGD 81-023, 55 FR 32034, Aug. 6, 1990, as amended by CGD93-055, 61 FR 13926, Mar. 28, 1996; USCG-2013-0263, 79 FR 56499, Sept. 22, 2014]