What is the penalty for not having a required PFD for a passenger on a vessel in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, failing to have a required personal flotation device (PFD) for a passenger on a vessel can result in a monetary fine. This is enforced to promote safety on the water and ensure that all passengers have access to a PFD in the event of an emergency. The law mandates that certain vessels carry enough PFDs for all passengers, and not adhering to this requirement can result in legal consequences, specifically fines.

While there might be instances in which law enforcement issues warning tickets for minor infractions, the lack of a required PFD is considered a significant safety violation, making a monetary penalty more appropriate to encourage compliance. Vessel impoundment typically applies to more severe violations, which underscores the importance of being adequately prepared on the water. Therefore, the appropriate response to not having a required PFD focuses on ensuring safety through the enforcement of monetary penalties.