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Vessel Safety Checks

Vessel Safety Checks, minimize the loss of life, personal injury, property damage and environmental impact while maximizing the safe use and enjoyment of U.S. waterways by recreational boaters.  The Vessel Safety Check process is one of “prevention through education, outreach and volunteer compliance” helping recreational boaters to gain a respect for the boating environment.

A vessel safety check is a courtesy examination of a boat to verify the presence and operable condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations. The vessel examiner (VE) is a trained specialist and is a member of United States Power Squadrons or US Coast Guard Auxiliary. The VE will also make certain recommendations and discuss safety related issues that will make boat owners safer boaters.

vsc decal

 The decal is recognized by the US Coast Guard.

What we look for

  • Proper display of numbers

  • Registration/documentation

  • Personal flotation devices

  • Visual distress signals

  • Fire extinguishers

  • Ventilation

  • Backfire flame control (gas engines)

  • Sound producing devices

  • Navigation lights

  • Pollution placard

  • MARPOL trash placard

  • Marine sanitation devices

  • Navigation rules (39.4 feet and over)

  • State and local requirements

  • Overall vessel condition: Deck free of hazards; clean bilge; safe electrical and fuel systems; safe galley and heating systems
For more VSC information on Federal requirements click on http://safetyseal.net
For further details or to request a Vessel Safety Check, send email to webmaster or D/7 VSC Chair, Gary Schroeder, SN

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