What is the purpose of having a throwable device on board vessels over 16 feet?

The purpose of having a throwable device on board vessels over 16 feet is indeed for safety in emergencies. These devices, often referred to as throwable flotation devices, serve a critical function in providing immediate assistance to someone who has fallen overboard or is in distress in the water. In situations where time is essential and a life jacket cannot be reached or deployed quickly enough, a throwable device allows for a rapid response that can significantly improve the chances of survival.

Throwable devices are designed to be easily thrown to the person in need, allowing them to grab onto it and stay afloat while awaiting rescue. This is particularly important because it enables boaters to respond to emergencies without diving into potentially dangerous waters themselves, thus reducing the risk of multiple people being in peril at the same time.

Additionally, compliance with safety regulations regarding equipment on board vessels, while important, is secondary to the primary function of these devices, which is to provide a layer of safety during emergencies. Similarly, while buoyancy and visibility are relevant factors in vessel safety, the fundamental purpose of throwable devices is to facilitate a quick and effective means of rescue in emergency situations.