I know years ago the inflatable jackets only counted if you were actually wearing them. Has that changed? Do they count as life jackets even if they are stowed?

Their website says some are approved and others are only approved while worn. I need to buy at least 12 of these, I'd hate to buy them if they're not legal all the time. I'm looking at the Elite 28 or the HIT.

Any other suggestions, better options, or best prices?

https://www.mustangsurvival.com/en_U...flatable-pfds/

You will need two Bubba, I have 4 lifelines that are longer in use,if I could find them all !

To further muddle this it appears you must be 16 y/o to wear inflatables.

Most of his passengers are well over 16 and a good percentage have Inflatables Inserted already

In Maryland if you are no wearing it, it don't count and anyone below 16 must wear something at all times if the boat is in motion.

FROM THE USCG SITE
Inflatable Lifejackets

• Inflatable lifejackets may be more comfortable to wear.
• The best lifejacket is the one you will wear.
• Inflatable lifejackets require the user to pay careful attention to the condition of the device.
• Inflatable lifejackets must have a full cylinder and all status indicators on the inflator must be green, or the device is NOT serviceable, and does NOT satisfy the requirement to carry lifejackets.
• Coast Guard Approved Inflatable lifejacket's are authorized for use on recreational boats by person at least 16 years of age.

Lifejacket requirements for certain boating activities under state laws

The Coast Guard recommends and many states require wearing lifejackets:

• For water skiing and other towed activities (use a lifejacket marked for water skiing).
• While operating personal watercraft (PWC) (use a lifejacket marked for water skiing or PWC use).
• During white water boating activities.
• While sailboarding (under Federal law, sailboards are not "boats").

Check with your state boating safety officials.
Federal law does not require lifejackets on racing shells, rowing sculls, racing canoes, and racing kayaks; state laws vary. Check with your state boating safety officials.
If you are boating in an area under the jurisdiction of the Army Corps of Engineers, or a federal, state, or local park authority, other rules may apply.

LOOKS LIKE YOU HAVE TO CHECK YOU SPECIFIC STATES LAWS.