RE: regatta OA liability on pfd issues.... I don't think this is an issue... The responsibility is left to the sailor. The OA does not safety check out a boat.... The RRS leaves it up to sailors to protest each other for rules violations.

If the OA wants to emphasize safety... they list the required gear in the NOR/SI's etc ... and spot check participants/winners at the end of a regatta.... you are DSQ'd if you do not carry the required gear.