Top 10 Best U.S. Coast Guard Approved PFDs, Life Jackets, and Flotation Wear

Let’s get down to it: Did you know that Partners and loved ones are the biggest influencers regarding safety? 

It’s true! Talking to your fisherman about safety can reduce the reality that 80% of fishermen lost at sea weren’t wearing a PFD. 

That’s 8 out of 10 who didn’t make it because of a lack of safety protection. 

But we can change that!

The # 1 reason fishermen say they wear safety gear is, quote, “because my partner tells me to.” 

The second reason? “Because my kids want me to.”

That’s the power of love, and it plays a vital role in keeping our fishermen safe. 

Not to mention, easing every Partner’s worry about their fisherman, knowing that they are protected. 

Everybody wins.

Must Have Safety Gear

We had such a great response to our Boat Safety Week campaign that we created the 10 Best Coast Guard-Approved PFDs, Life Jackets, and Flotation Wear to make it easier for you or your loved one to pick the right products.  

We are highlighting Kent Safety Products because they make the most Coast Guard-approved PFDs and innovative flotation gear on the market. Not only that, their gear is comfortable, durable, and made to move with fishermen, no matter the fishery, because the best safety gear is the kind they’ll actually wear. That’s why I’m proud to partner with Kent Safety Products!

(Heads up: We only work with brands that make quality gear and genuinely care about fishing families. Thanks to Kent Safety Products: www.kentsafetyproducts.com for sponsoring this post!)

What the Heck Is Buoyancy & Why Does It Matter in a Life Vest?

Let’s talk buoyancy—the key reason life vests keep your fisherman (or you!) afloat. In simple terms, buoyancy is the upward force that keeps bodies from sinking in water. A life vest adds extra float power by using foam or air to stay lighter than water.

Here’s what you need to know:

• The average adult needs about 7–12 pounds of buoyancy to stay afloat.
• Most U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vests provide 15–22 pounds of buoyancy, which is more than enough for safety.
• Buoyancy is measured in pounds, indicating how much extra weight a vest can support above water.
• Types matter: Offshore vests (Type I) offer the most buoyancy and can turn an unconscious person face-up. Near-shore (Type II) and recreational (Type III) vests are less bulky but may not offer the same benefits.

Bottom line: Again, the best life vest is the one your fisherman will actually wear. Try different styles to find one that fits comfortably and gives peace of mind.

3 Common Objections to Safety Gear: 

These are some of the most common pushbacks we hear about safety gear — plus ways to shift that mindset.

Objection: “I don’t need a life jacket—I’ve never fallen overboard.”

Neither did 80% of commercial fishermen who drowned at sea. Don’t wait for a close call—wear the gear that gives your family peace of mind.

Objection: “Life jackets are uncomfortable.”

We get it—traditional life jackets get in the way. That’s why Kent Safety Products are designed for movement, comfort, and real-world fishing conditions. No bulk. No hassle. Just safety you can count on.

Objection: “It’s not Coast Guard approved, so why wear it?”

Fishermen value function over approval. Kent’s non-Coast Guard-approved Rogue Vest II is designed for real-world fishing—tangle-free, lightweight, and buoyant enough to keep you afloat in an emergency. (Check out the image above of the Bering Sea Fishermen w Rogue II Vest.)

Now, for the goods!

Here are the Top 10 Safety Gear We Love from Kent Safety Products:

Type I Adult Universal Vest Style Life Jacket

The Type I Adult Universal Vest Style Life Jacket is a vest with a more traditional look and feel, and for good reason. It’s designed for high buoyancy, which means a longer chance of survival in rough waters or when a rescue unit is underway. 

The reflective material means higher visibility and, in most cases, will turn an unconscious fisherman face up in the water. A whistle is also attached to pinpoint their location in the water, a loop for a safety light, belts to fit snugly, and an adjustable head pillow for added comfort in the water. 

The vest has a minimum of 22 lbs of buoyancy, which means it can support up to 22 lbs of heavy metal and is sufficient to keep an unconscious person’s face up in the water. 

U.S. Coast Guard-Approved

 * Sizing: Universal for people 90 lbs. and over 

A/M-33 All Clear Automatic/Manual Inflatable Life Jacket – Orange 

This slim vest, known as the A/M-33 All Clear Automatic/Manual Inflatable Life Jacket, transforms from automatic to manual inflation and has simple directions for repacking and servicing your life jacket after use. 

The sizing extends chest sizes up to 65”, a V-back for comfort and easier to slip into, and a buckle and body belt to secure to the body. Made from a strong, durable nylon outer shell, the high-visibility reflective material is used for the inflation chamber, allowing fishermen to be more easily seen in the water. 

(Side note: Chris and I wore this style vest by Kent Safety Products the entire time we sailed from Washington State to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, over two years. The vests were never cumbersome on the body, and, after all this time, are still like new.)

U.S. Coast Guard Approved

* Sizing: Universal for people over 80 lbs. and 16 years or older.  

**Also comes in Black

A-33 All Clear Automatic Inflatable Work Vest 

Similar to the one above, the A-33 All Clear Automatic Inflatable Work Vest  is solely automatic, featuring a high-visibility inflation chamber and an open back that works well with most fall harnesses. The fabric is resistant to punctures and tears, and also features reflective material for enhanced visibility. As a bonus, the collar is lined with Glideskin for more comfort and can fit chest sizes up to 65”. 

The vest provides a minimum buoyancy of 35 lbs when inflated and is adequate to support an unconscious person, keeping them face up in the water. 

U.S. Coast Guard Approved

* Sizing: Universal for people over 80 lbs. and 16 years or older. Fit chest 30” to 65” chest.

Commercial Wristers 

I never knew these existed, but the Commercial Wristers would be a GREAT present for commercial fishermen working in cold climates (hello, Alaska, PNW, New England, and Canadian fishermen!).

Wristers are designed to protect wrists (of course) and lower arms from wet and cold conditions, and help prevent fish guts and seafood slime from sliding into a jacket sleeve. Simply slip the cone-shaped design over the hand and wrist, and then over the jacket sleeve cuff to fit snugly. The durable four-way stretch fabric can further protect arms from scratches from lifting heavy traps, lines, or nets.

Adding this to our Fisherman Gift list! 

* Sizing: Small to X-Large 

Mesh Deluxe Vest 

The Mesh Deluxe Vest  feels like a shout-out to our warmer watermen and women. (California, Gulf Coast, Southeast, and Mid-Atlantic, I’m looking at you!)

The mesh design extends from the shoulders, back, and sides to help their bodies breathe more easily, while the lightweight flotation foam provides the life-saving capabilities they need. Fishermen can reduce the risk of snagging on boat machinery with hidden belts, small accessories can be attached to the D-ring, and two 1” belts with a heavy-duty zipper closure for a secure fit. Reflective material is evident on the front and back. 

There’s a minimum of 15.5 lbs of buoyancy on this one, also known as “Level 70.” This means the vest is designed for comfort and mobility, making it perfect for conditions where rescue is likely.

U.S. Coast Guard and Transport Canada approved.

* Sizing: Small to 4X-Large

Type V Vinyl Dip Work Vest 

Another excellent option for warm environments, the Type V Vinyl Dip Work Vest comes in sizes up to a 68” chest. Bright orange and reflective panels enhance visibility, and they feature contrasting stitching on belts and straps to facilitate faster and smoother vessel checks.

This heavy-duty one would make for good padding when leaning on boat surfaces and protecting your chest from machinery or large, heavy gear. The adjustable sides and shoulder make this a more comfortable custom fit. The minimum buoyancy is 17.5 lbs, and it even comes with a compatible radio pocket. 

U.S. Coast Guard Approved 

* Sizing: Universal (30” to 52” Chest) and Oversized (42” to 68” Chest)

Rogue II Fishing Vest 

The Rogue II Fishing Vest is a notable favorite among PNW and Bering Sea crabbers due to its slim fit, providing all-day comfort. Perfect protection when the weather gets colder in any fishery, as well. As you can see, the bright green color indicates high visibility, with added reflective material to help fishermen spot them more easily in choppy waters. Secured by a heavy-duty zipper, the Rogue II was primarily designed to reduce the possibility of snag hazards.

This vest is made with durable “Airprene” neoprene fabric. “Airprene” is similar to neoprene, but features embossed air pockets for maximum airflow and breathability.

Crabbers also like the vest due to its chest protection along the rail and collisions while pulling heavy crab traps aboard.

Although this vest is not Coast Guard-approved, it does provide 11 pounds of buoyancy.

* Sizing: Medium to 5X-Large

Deluxe Flotation Jacket 

The Deluxe Flotation Jacket makes staying safe easy by simply wearing the jacket to keep you warm while providing the protection fishermen need, including hypothermia protection in frigid waters. The jacket is fleece-lined with a removable hood, drawcord adjustment, chin cover, and taped seams. Reflective material makes it easier for fishermen to be spotted in rough waters, plus, there are “bellowed” (or, expandable) chest pockets that can hold radio antennas. 

The neoprene cuffs, both inner and outer, are adjustable to secure tightly to the wrist, keeping water and wind out, and feature mesh drainage to prevent waterlogging. The jacket has a minimum buoyancy of 15.5 lbs.

U.S. Coast Guard and Transport Canada approved Level 70

* Sizing: Small to 3X-Large

USCG Immersion Suit  

My fisherman has two USCG Immersion Suits aboard his 32” vessel. Talk about complete protection, this suit is designed with a bright yellow inflatable head pillow, face mask, mittens, and ankle adjustments for high-visibility in the water. Personal locator lights can be fitted into the neoprene pocket, a USCG whistle is attached, and the entire suit is made from flame-retardant neoprene.

The head pillow is removable for easy servicing, and the glove provides added warmth, thanks to its three-finger design.  

U.S. Coast Guard Approved

* Sizing: Intermediate, Universal, and Oversized

Ring Buoys + Ring Buoy Line Bag 

The classic Ring Buoys are what every commercial ship needs aboard. But how many? 

Our friends at Kent Safety Products note that a vessel of more than 26 feet in length, but less than 65 feet, must carry a minimum of one ring buoy of at least 24 inches in diameter. A vessel of more than 65 feet must carry a minimum of three ring buoys of no less than 24 inches, according to Code of Federal Regulations (Chapter 1, Subpart C, to be exact).

Kent offers sizes 24” (LINK) and 30” (LINK). Both are bright orange with reflective tape for high visibility so that fishermen can more easily find them in the water, and are easier to spot for rescues. They are designed to perform in extreme weather and water conditions. With a minimum buoyancy of 16.5, you can easily replace the encircling rope when needed, too.  

U.S. Coast Guard Approved

* Sizing: 24” and 30” buoys available

RING BUOY LINE BAG 

This 100 ft. throw line holds up to 1,124 lbs. Made with durable, UV-resistant polypropylene and packed in a rugged 900D polyester bag, it’s easy to use thanks to its webbed grab handle and adjustable drawcord. Meets all U.S. Coast Guard Subchapter M requirements for Ring Buoy Line Bags.

Perfect for tossing and retrieving buoys in harsh environments to help fishermen back aboard — but not made for lifting! 

U.S. Coast Guard Approved 

* Approximate Weight: 1.8 lbs. 

* Approximate Dimensions: 15” x 7” x 3”

Whew! What a list! After reviewing our favorite items by Kent Safety Products, which best suits your needs? Let us know in the comments!

Kentsafetyproducts.com