BARE COVE SAIL & POWER SQUADRON EVENTS
HINGHAM , MASSACHUSETTS
A Unit of United States  Power Squadrons^®

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A WAKE UP CALL FOR
 A VESSEL SAFETY CHECK

The U.S. Power Squadrons and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary have joined forces for the purpose of conducting Vessel Safety Checks. The following is the Required Equipment List which vessels must comply with in order to qualify for and receive the United States Power Squadrons Vessel Safety Check Inspection Decal as of 2001.

NOTE: Vessels carrying Commercial Freight or more than 6 passengers for hire require special additional equipment not included in the following listings:

• NUMBERING -- Proper spacing, contrasting color, minimum 3-inch block letters
• REGISTRATION/DOCUMENTATION -- Papers must be on board
• NAVIGATION LIGHTS -- Must operate and show proper configuration
• SOUND PRODUCING DEVICE -- Horn, whistle, or other device
• BELL -- Boats 12m [39.4 ft.] or longer
• PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE (PFD) -- One wearable for each passenger, minimum of 2. Boats 16 ft & over also one type IV throwable
• FIRE EXTINGUISHERS -- Mounted, minimum for size & type of boat, HALON/FE241/CO2 requires current tag
• VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS (VSDS) INLAND -- VDS, Flag, Signal light, etc.
• VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS (VDS) INTERNATIONAL -- Minimum of 3 flares/aerial rockets or approved signals, not expired
• VENTILATION -- For closed compartments with potential for explosive vapors and an ignition source. Installed blower must work. Warning posted
• BACKFIRE FLAME ARRESTER -- Approved type, tight installation, clean
• FUEL SYSTEM -- Tanks secure. Over 7 gal are considered permanent & must be grounded and vented overboard. Hoses in good condition, no leaks
• ANCHOR & ANCHOR LINE -- Suitable for the boat and the boating area
• ALTERNATE PROPULSION -- Boats under 16 ft, paddle, oar, etc.
• DEWATERING DEVICE -- Pumps must work, extra manual bailer
• OVERALL VESSEL CONDITION -- Bilge & equipment room clean, well maintained. Not overloaded or overpowered, and no automotive parts
• ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS -- Batteries secure, terminals covered, well organized wiring, proper fuses/circuit breakers
• GALLEY/HEATING SYSTEMS -- Secure system, proper tank installation. No flammable material nearby
• STATE REQUIREMENTS -- Comply with all state safety requirements
• MARINE SANITATION DEVICE -- Approved device, overboard discharge sealed
• MARPOL TRASH PLACARD -- Boat 26 ft & over, written plan 40 ft & over
• POLLUTION PLACARD -- Boat 26 ft & over, w/machinery compartment
• NAVIGATION RULES -- Boats 12m (39.4 ft) and over

The following items are not mandated by the U. S. Coast Guard, but are additional requirements for the decal. These items are required under Federal and State laws. The Vessel Examiner checks these item to assist the boater in determining if the vessel meets the requirements of these laws.

• CAPACITY PLATE -- Visible, monohull power boats, under 20 ft
• CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE LABEL -- All Monohull power boats, under 20 ft, with installed engines (except outboards) manufactured after 10/31/72
• HULL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER -- All boats manufactured after 10/31/72

  Boat owners wishing to have their vessel examined may contact Bare Cove Power & Sail Squadron for an appointment with a Qualified Vessel Examiner.
  This is a FREE public service of United States Power Squadrons

  Phone (781) 545-1520, or

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