> Can you be more specific about the "criteria"? The life jackets
> I've seen on cruiseships, liveaboards, and boats are certainly
> infinitely more "flimsy" and susceptible to "spring a leak" than
> any BCD I've used.
>
>
The criteria is real simple. Ask the Coast Guard for a list of acceptable
PFDs.
That is the criteria in use.
CH