---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 169.543"
title: "46"
number: "169.543"
heading: "Distribution and stowage."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/169.543"
---

# §169.543. Distribution and stowage.

- (a) Personal flotation devices must be distributed through the upper part of the vessel in protected places convenient to the persons on board.
- (b) If practicable, personal flotation device containers must be designed to allow the PFDs to float free.
- (c) Personal flotation devices for children, when provided, must be stowed separately.
- (d) Lockers, boxes, and closets in which PFDs are stowed must not be capable of being locked.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1321(j); 46 U.S.C. 3306, 6101; Pub. L. 103-206, 107 Stat. 2439; E.O. 11735, 38 FR 21243, 3 CFR, 1971-1975 Comp., p. 793; DHS Delegation 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4; § 169.117 also issued under the authority of 44 U.S.C. 3507.

### Source

Source: CGD 83-005, 51 FR 896, Jan. 9, 1986, unless otherwise noted.