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United States Coast Guard Auxiliary          60th Anniversary of Vessel Safety Exams

Need a free Vessel Safety Check?

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Vessel Safety Checks

  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 Coast Guard Auxiliary. They will also make certain recommendations and discuss certain safety issues that will make you a safer boater.

 

  For more than sixty years, the USCG Auxiliary has been recognized around the world as a premier safe boating organization. This reputation was earned by the Auxiliary’s ability to evolve and expand its programs to meet the ever-changing needs of the recreational boating public.

  A cornerstone of the Auxiliary’s safe boating program, the Courtesy Marine Examination has been evolving since its inception in 1947. Originally begun as the Motor Boat Examination program, the Courtesy Examination program was recently benchmarked against current recreational boater’s needs. A study group comprised of industry, and other boating safety organizations were consulted to determine the next step in evolving the program. The result was the Vessel Safety Check program.

  This is not 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.

 

An example of some of the items checked include:

    • Proper display of numbers
    • Registration/Documentation
    • Personal Flotation Devices; Life Jackets
    • Visual Distress Signals
    • Fire extinguishers
    • Ventilation
    • Backfire flame control
    • Sound producing devices
    • Navigation lights
    • State requirements
    • Overall vessel condition

All of these items are currently required by state and federal laws and, if missing or non-operating, can result in a citation if your vessel is inspected by the Coast Guard or local Lake Patrol Officers.

The Vessel Safety Check gives you a risk-free way to check that you meet the legal minimums and to potentially avoid a citation later.

 

Do you have all the gear that your required to have on your boat? Do you know what gear is not required but will safe your life? Obtain a vessel safety check and we will educate you about the gear you need and the gear that would be great to have. Here's a schedule of locations and dates where you can get your free VSC. Contact one of our Vessel Examiners if you have any questions or concerns.

Chuck Cress 704-621-8816 ccress@bellsouth.net

Mark Loftin 704-975-2419 loftinmark@earthlink.net

Phil Jones 704-902-2696 watercop386@msn.com