I probably have an unpopular view on this. Since this is an international forum, I will state in advance that my views apply only to sailing in the US. Laws dictate that onboard your boat there must be at least 1 USCG approved flotation device for each person on board (I hae been on board boats on more than one occasion that have been stopped by the CG to check). If an OA is going to permit competitors to wear CE vests, it does not preclude the skippers responsibitly to make sure his boat is compliant with the laws. I feel that the OA is opening itself up to some very dangerous legal ramifications IF a tragic event were to happen during an event where they (the OA) stated that CE devices were acceptable.