PWC operators, regardless of age, are required to wear an approved __________ while underway.

PWC operators, regardless of age, must wear an approved personal flotation device (PFD) while the vessel is underway. This requirement is in place for safety reasons, ensuring that all operators have a proper flotation device readily available to aid in case of an accident or fall overboard. The use of an approved PFD increases the chances of survival in an emergency situation by providing buoyancy and keeping the wearer afloat, which is critical on the water where conditions can change rapidly.

The other options listed do not fulfill the specific safety requirements for operators of personal watercraft. A fire extinguisher, while essential on some vessels for fire safety, is not a personal safety device designed to keep a person afloat in the water. A life jacket without approval might lack the necessary safety standards and therefore would not be sufficient. Helmets, while protective, are not federally required for PWC operators; therefore, they do not substitute for wearing a proper PFD. This highlights the importance of having the correct safety gear when operating any watercraft, especially for PWC operators.