The visitors made their way to the signal bridge on board Tortuga as two CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters rapidly closed the flight deck of SS Kocak. The demonstration showed the Italian and U.S. naval special warriors capturing the bridge in mere seconds. I was really impressed with how swiftly they came out of the helo and how professionally the plan was executed. U.S. Coast Guard leaders today hailed new standards for inflatable life jackets for recreational boaters as an example of common sense government and a step toward improved safety. A new final rule announced recently allows approval of inflatable PFDs.
Life jackets save lives when they are worn.
In response to the Presidential Regulatory Reform Initiative, the Coast Guard also revised and published approval procedures for all recreational PFDs. According to the Coast Guard, the final rule allowing approval of inflatable PFDs is a successful result of the Coast Guard working in partnership with the PFD industry and Underwriters Laboratories. Inflatable PFDs should be available to the boating public by late 1996. In addition, the Coast Guard stressed that inflatable PFDs must be serviced and maintained. Before venturing out, boaters should check and, when indicated, service inflatable PFDs.