Personal flotation devices

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) worn on various watercrafts in the United States are required to conform with standards set by the U.S. Coast Guard Lifesaving and Fire Safety Standards Division. UL and the U.S. Coast Guard partner through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide a UL Listing and Coast Guard approval for life jackets, vests, seat cushions, deck suits and all other flotation devices. UL is an accepted independent testing laboratory for PFDs in the Code of Federal Regulations (46 CFR).

UL can test and certify devices under the US Coast Guard's interpretation of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidelines for marine testing according to the International Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code, in the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations.

When a manufacturer becomes UL Listed, it demonstrates a commitment to safety. Our efforts help ensure products will protect and save lives.

Test standards

UL tests and certifies PFDs and other specific flotation devices to the applicable ANSI/UL, CAN/CGSB standards. For the list of standards please click here.

The UL advantage

• Recognized leading safety organization with more than 40 years of technical expertise in personal flotation devices testing
• Specialized testing facilities with in-water performance testing, buoyancy tanks, strength cages, accelerated weathering chambers, and means for performing high speed strength tests
• Textile testing capabilities
• Listing in UL Marine Products and online certification directories
• U.S. Coast Guard approval
• The respected UL Mark
• Global Follow-Up Services program