According to Mike Krantz you can only be protested if the SI's specifically state that a "USCG approved PFD" is necessary, If the SI's only require a "PFD" then you are OK. Mike is driving to FL right now so maybe he can chime in when he gets settled.

8. SAFETY EQUIPMENT
8.1 Each person on board shall carry a lifesaving
device or Personal Flotation Device (PFD) approved
by their country’s national authority or by
the national authority having jurisdiction. The
IHCA strongly recommends that life jackets or
PFDs be worn at all times.

Sailing Instructions can only change a class rule by stating the rule number and the change (RRS 86.1(b))

But since you guys rarely/never race Hobie One-Design, you don't have to worry about it.

Except, doesn't ISAF Regulation 26.5(f) apply and restrict changing the class rules for the ISAF-recognized classes?

I was always under the impression that if you race in an open event, you're supposed to follow your class rules. I know there are adjustments for equipment changes (adding a chute, etc.), but isn't there a general assumption that you will race your boat to its class rules?

I agree though, most likely, no one would ever protest you until after the racing, and usually only if they had something to gain. An OA might protest you depending on the level of the event, if there were on-water judges present, etc.

Mike

The item in question is really comfortable and well made. It does; however, come with a big tag thats says "THIS IS NOT A LIFESAVING DEVICE"...

It'd be interesting to know the intent of it becoming approved.

Would the regatta insurance honor the claim if the event cordinators failed to ensure the proper equipment was worn?

16. RISK AND LIABILITY
The Chicago Yacht Club, its officers, directors, members, sponsors, employees and agents, the CYCMC, the Race Committee, the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac Jury and any other Committee of the Club shall not be liable for any injury or damage whatsoever to persons or property which may occur during or arise out of or in connection with this Race Notice is hereby given to all participants including spectators, officials and others that they participate in this event solely at their own risk.
17. PHOTOGRAPHY

18. INSPECTION
An entered boat shall be subject to inspection by the Race Committee from 1200 CDT Wednesday prior to the Race until the boat has properly completed any post-race inspection and has properly completed its post-finish sign-in. The Race Committee may protest a boat failing to comply with any of the rules and regulations specified in this Notice and Conditions of Race, Notices to Competitors and Sailing Instructions.

74. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) -- Each crew member sixteen (16) years of age or older shall have either:
1. a Type 1 U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD or,
2. an inflatable PFD having at least thirty-two (32) pounds buoyancy and designed to securely suspend an unconscious person face upwards at approximately forty-five (45) degrees to the water surface. All inflatable PFDs shall have a compressed gas inflation system. Inflatable PFDs need not have a water-activated auto-inflate system in order to satisfy this requirement. Belt pack PFDs with rip cord inflation providing at least thirty-two (32) pounds of buoyancy may be used to satisfy this requirement.
Each crew member under sixteen (16) years of age shall have a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD appropriate for the crew member's age and weight and suitable for offshore sailing conditions, as determined by the Person-In-Charge.

You have extended regatta liability to a ridiculous level.

Suggestion. Tie a USCG approved pfd to the boat; one for each passenger. The little co2 waste packs are pretty lightweight. Better yet, wear it on your waist.

Here's a summary of the PFD situation. European countries require the PFD to be CE approved. The US requires the PFD to be USCG approved. Australia has their own requirement (however it accepts CE approval as legit), and so do some of the South American countries... For the most part they all require a certified construction and a minimum amount of bouyancy - pounds, newtons, etc. If you are an international athelete, you are required to have a whole bag full of PFD's if the SI's or class rules are specific enough to require a PFD that meets the local requirement. More and more often the SI's are being modified to specify a "PFD", no more, no less.

Meanwhile Zhik has chosen to adopt the European "CE" certification because at the moment it is being accepted in Europe and Australia - the majority of the worldwide sailing PFD market. The Zhik PFD is tagged as "Not Coast Guard Approved", and marketed as such. FWIW, Musto, Gill, and Magic Marine also market PFD's that are CE approved, not USCG approved. At this time the cost of getting USCG approval does not make economic sense for Zhik, nor any other non-US manufacturer.

Currently there is an international movement to adopt an ISO9001 standard that all countries can adopt, and end this entire process of certification within each authority.

Regards, Mike Krantz
Zhik USA

The Zhik PFD is approved to CE EN 393 50 N which has a minimum flotation standard of 5 kg (11 lbs).