What
is a Vessel Safety Check (VSC)?
A Vessel Safety Check is a
courtesy examination of your boat (Vessel) to verify the presence and condition
of certain Safety Equipment required by State and the Federal regulations. The
Vessel Examiner is a trained specialist and is a member of the US Power Squadron or the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. They will also make certain
recommendations and discuss certain safety issues that will make you a safer
boater.
This is not a boarding or a law
enforcement issue. No citations will be given as a result of this encounter. We
will supply you with a copy of our evaluation so that you may follow some of the
suggestions given. Vessels that pass will be able to display our distinctive VSC
decal. This does not exempt you from law enforcement boarding, but you can be
prepared to make this a positive encounter.
Interested in obtaining a
Vessel Safety Check?
Click Here For Free
Vessel Safety Check
The U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers free safety
checks to boaters who wish to be sure that their boats meet all federal
and state requirements. The Vessel Examiners who perform these checks
are specially trained Auxiliarists who are kept informed on the latest legal
requirements for boaters. Vessel Examiners have no legal authority - their
goal is to prevent boaters from getting equipment-related citations and to
prevent safety-related accidents. These safety checks are meant to be an
educational experience. The Vessel Examiners will check for all required
required items on board your boat and if everything is present and in good
working order, they will award a decal
to affix to your boat. If you wish, they will also gladly explain the
reason for the various safety equipment requirements and explain how safety
equipment works.
What
is in a Vessel Safety Check?
- NUMBERING
- REGISTRATION/DOCUMENTATION
- PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES (PFDs)
- VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS
- FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
- VENTILATION
- BACKFIRE FLAME ARRESTER
- SOUND PRODUCING DEVICES
- NAVIGATION LIGHTS
- POLLUTION PLACARD
- MARINE SANITATION DEVICE
- NAVIGATION RULES
- STATE AND LOCAL REQUIREMENTS
- OVERALL BOAT CONDITION
- Deck free of hazards and clean bilge
- Safe Electrical and Fuel Systems
- Safe Galley and Heating Systems
- RECOMMENDED AND DISCUSSION ITEMS: (Not
required for the award of the "Vessel Safety Check" decal.)
For the very best boaters, we recommend these
additional items. Meeting these requirements reflects your concern for
Boating Safety:
- Marine radio
- Dewatering device & backup
- Mounted fire extinguishers
- Anchor & line for area
- First aid kit
- Person in the water (PIW) kit (one extra
wearable PFD and a throwable type IV PFD w/line)
- Inland visual distress signals
- Capacity / Cert. of Compliance
Discussion Items are educational in nature and add
value to the Vessel Safety Check program:
- Accident reporting / Owner responsibility
- Offshore operations
- Nautical charts / Navigation aids
- Survival tips / First aid
- Fueling / Fuel management
- Float plan / Weather & sea conditions
- Insurance considerations
- Boating check list
- Safe boating classes
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