---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 117.78"
title: "46"
number: "117.78"
heading: "Stowage of life jackets."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/117.78"
---

# §117.78. Stowage of life jackets.

- (a) **General.** Unless otherwise stated in this section, life jackets must be stored in convenient places distributed throughout accommodation spaces.
  - (1) Each stowage container for life jackets must not be capable of being locked. If practicable, the container must be designed to allow the life jackets to float free.
  - (2) Each life jacket kept in a stowage container must be readily available.
  - (3) Each life jacket stowed overhead must be supported in a manner that allows quick release for distribution.
  - (4) If life jackets are stowed more than 2,130 millimeters (7 feet) above the deck, a means for quick release must be provided and must be capable of operation by a person standing on the deck.
  - (5) Each child size life jacket must be stowed in a location that is appropriately marked and separated from adult life jackets so the child size life jackets are not mistaken for adult life jackets.
- (b) **Additional personal flotation devices.** The stowage locations of the personal flotation devices carried in addition to life jackets under [§ 117.72](/cfr/46/117.72.md) must be separate from the life jackets, and such as not to be easily confused with that of the life jackets.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; DHS Delegation 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4.

### Source

Source: CGD 85-080, 61 FR 911, Jan. 10, 1996, unless otherwise noted.