Section 8-743 - Personal flotation devices(a)(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.(2) "Child" means an individual who is under the age of 13 years.(3) "Personal flotation device" means a Type I, II, III, or V U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device that is: (i) The proper size for the child; and(ii) In good and serviceable condition.(4)(i) "Vessel" means: 1. A vessel used for recreational purposes; or2. A vessel leased, rented, or chartered for noncommercial use.(ii) "Vessel" does not include a vessel carrying passengers for hire under the command of an individual licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry passengers for hire, or a vessel displaying a valid seafood harvester's license number while engaged in the harvesting of seafood for sale.(b)(1) A person may not operate or permit the operation of a vessel under 21 feet in length while there is present in the vessel a child not wearing a personal flotation device which is securely and properly attached to the child.(2) If the child is under the age of 4 years, the personal flotation device shall feature additional safety precautions, as appropriate for an infant, toddler, or young child, so as to: (i) Hold the child securely within the personal flotation device, including a strap that is secured between the child's legs to fasten together the front and back of the personal flotation device;(ii) Maintain the buoyancy of the child, including an inflatable headrest or high collar; and(iii) Ensure the ready accessibility of the child from the vessel, including a web handle.(c) Subsection (b) does not apply to:(1) A vessel that is moored or anchored; or(2) A child who is below deck or in an enclosed cabin.