Wolfie can tell us, but working with lace up boots shouldn't be a problem, they're all required to wear life jackets which will float you with or without boots. Might be just a regional culture thing....?
Here, everyone wears rubber deck boots, you're almost guaranteed to be wet. Working on barges on calm waters not so much....?

Xtra tuffs are my go to for most applications, but especially on/around watercraft or docks.

You'd sweat to death in rubber boots down here. We have them but only use them with hooking up and working with certain chemicals

This . Wanna be able to shed any exta weight or anything that can be negative to your ability to float . Tho work best arnt the same as a actual live vest.... And when you a negatively boyant guy like me.... Every bit helps.

Also a bit of a regional thing. , also a lot cooler to wear

Most good deck boots float, they should assist with buoyancy if you go in the drink

I get em bronzed and give to my fan club.

Kidding, sell not give.

Goodwill, Salvation Army, Homeless shelters etc.