Vessel Examiner:

A Vessel Examiner (VE) is:

A trained, qualified boating safety volunteer or employee who has been certified by the appropriate authority for their respective organization.

A public representative of the United States Power Squadrons VSC program with no law enforcement authority.

Vessel Safety Check (VSC):

A VSC is:

A check of voluntary compliance with all federal and state laws, and safety equipment.

An authorized boating safety activity contributing to the Coast Guard's recreational boating safety mission

The opportunity for the exchange of boating safety information

A courtesy check of safety equipment carried or installed on a boat, and certain aspects of the boat's general condition

Endorsed by state boating authorities and recreational boating organizations

A boating safety program reaching large numbers of the boating public

Uniform in its standards throughout the country, except for certain state requirements

Vessels Eligible for the Vessel Safety Check

Generally, any recreational boat, if requested by the owner or operator is eligible for a VSC.

Boats over 65 feet, used for recreational purposes may be examined and, if qualified, awarded the VSC decal.

Sailboats with mechanical power, must meet the same requirements as motorboats.

Sport and utility boats (SUBS) such as canoes, kayaks, "jon boats" and PWC deserve special interest because of the accident rate of this group of boaters. This program encourages the VE to include them. A boat need not be registered to receive a VSC and decal.

15 reasons a vessel may not pass a VSC.

How can I schedule a VSC?

VSC Website