Maryland Natural Resources Section 8-743
§ 8-743.
CAUTION: READ FULL TEXT OF SECTION FOR SPECIAL NOTE
(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2) "Child" means an individual who:
(i) Is under the age of 7 years, regardless of the individual's weight; or
(ii) Weighs 50 pounds or less, regardless of the individual's age.
(3) "Personal flotation device" means a Type I, II, III, or V U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device that is:
(i) The proper size for the child; and
(ii) In good and serviceable condition.
(4) (i) "Vessel" means:
1. A vessel used for recreational purposes; or
2. A vessel leased, rented, or chartered for noncommercial use.
(ii) "Vessel" does not include a vessel carrying passengers for hire under the command of an individual licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry passengers for hire, or a vessel displaying a valid seafood harvester's license number while engaged in the harvesting of seafood for sale.
(b) (1) A person may not operate or permit the operation of a vessel under 21 feet in length while there is present in the vessel a child not wearing a personal flotation device which is securely and properly attached to the child.
(2) If the child is under the age of 4 years, the personal flotation device may feature additional safety precautions, as appropriate for an infant, toddler, or young child, so as to:
(i) Hold the child securely within the personal flotation device, including a strap that is secured between the child's legs to fasten together the front and back of the personal flotation device;
(ii) Maintain the buoyancy of the child, including an inflatable headrest or high collar; or
(iii) Ensure the ready accessibility of the child from the vessel, including a web handle.
(c) Subsection (b) does not apply to:
(1) A vessel that is moored or anchored; or
(2) A child who is below deck or in an enclosed cabin.
** SPECIAL NOTE: EFFECTIVE - APRIL 1, 2006 - CHAPTER 458 - 2004 **
(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2) "Child" means an individual who:
(i) Is under the age of 7 years, regardless of the individual's weight; or
(ii) Weighs 50 pounds or less, regardless of the individual's age.
(3) "Personal flotation device" means a Type I, II, III, or V U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device that is:
(i) The proper size for the child; and
(ii) In good and serviceable condition.
(4) (i) "Vessel" means:
1. A vessel used for recreational purposes; or
2. A vessel leased, rented, or chartered for noncommercial use.
(ii) "Vessel" does not include a vessel carrying passengers for hire under the command of an individual licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry passengers for hire, or a vessel displaying a valid seafood harvester's license number while engaged in the harvesting of seafood for sale.
(b) (1) A person may not operate or permit the operation of a vessel under 21 feet in length while there is present in the vessel a child not wearing a personal flotation device which is securely and properly attached to the child.
(2) If the child is under the age of 4 years, the personal flotation device shall feature additional safety precautions, as appropriate for an infant, toddler, or young child, so as to:
(i) Hold the child securely within the personal flotation device, including a strap that is secured between the child's legs to fasten together the front and back of the personal flotation device;
(ii) Maintain the buoyancy of the child, including an inflatable headrest or high collar; and
(iii) Ensure the ready accessibility of the child from the vessel, including a web handle.
(c) Subsection (b) does not apply to:
(1) A vessel that is moored or anchored; or
(2) A child who is below deck or in an enclosed cabin.
