# Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 5A: Wearable personal floatation devices

> Massachusetts · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S5A

## Section

- **Citation:** Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 5A
- **Heading:** Wearable personal floatation devices
- **Jurisdiction:** Massachusetts
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** MA Code / Part I / Title XIV / Chapter 90B / Section 5A

## Text

Section 5A. Every vessel not subject to section 5, including, but not limited to, unpowered vessels such as canoes, kayaks and stand–up–paddleboards, shall carry at least 1 United States Coast Guard approved wearable personal flotation device of appropriate size and type for each person on board in good and serviceable condition in a readily accessible location and additional personal flotation devices as the director may deem necessary. Each amphibious landing vehicle shall have at least 1 United States Coast Guard approved wearable personal flotation device of appropriate size and type in good and serviceable condition that shall be in a readily accessible location for each passenger under 10 years of age. This section shall not apply to vessels used in competitive rowing, sculling or supervised intercollegiate sailing programs, rafts, surfboards, sail fish or any similar type of vessel.

Section 5A. Every vessel not subject to section 5, including, but not limited to, unpowered vessels such as canoes, kayaks and stand–up–paddleboards, shall carry at least 1 United States Coast Guard approved wearable personal flotation device of appropriate size and type for each person on board in good and serviceable condition in a readily accessible location and additional personal flotation devices as the director may deem necessary. Each amphibious landing vehicle shall have at least 1 United States Coast Guard approved wearable personal flotation device of appropriate size and type in good and serviceable condition that shall be in a readily accessible location for each passenger under 10 years of age. This section shall not apply to vessels used in competitive rowing, sculling or supervised intercollegiate sailing programs, rafts, surfboards, sail fish or any similar type of vessel.

## Nearby sections

- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 1 Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S1.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 2 Numbering; exceptions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S2.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 3 Application for certificate of number; display](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S3.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 4 Lost, destroyed or mutilated certificates of number; replacement](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S4.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 4A Altering, forging or counterfeiting certificates of number of motorboat; penalty](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S4A.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 4B Removal, defacing, etc. of identification number of motorboat, motor or engine; penalties](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S4B.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 5 Classes of motorboats; required lighting, signaling and fire extinguishing and control devices](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S5.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 5A Wearable personal floatation devices](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S5A.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 5B Automatic shut–off nozzle for motorboat fuel dispensing devices; fine](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S5B.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 5C Discharge of sewage into waters designated as a no discharge area; fine](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S5C.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 5D Violations of Sec. 37B of Chapter 21; penalties](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S5D.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 6 Exhaust; use of cutouts](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S6.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 7 Compliance with Sec. 5; pre-requisite to departure from boat livery](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S7.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 8 Operation while under influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotics, etc.; breath or blood testing; water skiing; professional exhibitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S8.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S5A. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.