Is a PFD and a life jacket the same thing? In norwegian it is not, a life jacket is supposed to keep your head over water at all times while a PFD just helps your buoyancy. A PFD is what is required in the events I have competed here at home. Never thought about the distinction when travelling abroad (whoops!).
I suppose if an event organizer dont run the event under the RRS, they could have insurance issues? All the events I have raced in have been under the RRS.
Personally think the SI should say that a CE approved or better PFD should be worn at all times, and leave it at that.


Not that long since I got some pics from an US high level event where one of the top dogs had modified their PFDs. Handstitching was really obvious. According to what Jake wrote, they could have been protested for it, but nobody knows if they would be dsq.