The Vessel Safety Check (VSC) program is a great way to make sure that you and your boat are ready for the next boating season. During a VSC, a certified Vessel Examiner (VE) will not only inspect the safety equipment aboard your boat, but also explain its use as well as care and maintenance in a personal one-on-one manner that is very productive and also rewarding. VSCs are a great opportunity to ensure that you become a safer boater both in terms of your equipment and knowing how to use it.

Vessel Safety applies to all types of boats - sail, power, canoes, and kayaks. The Vessel Safety Check program provides the opportunity to see if your boat is equipped properly based on federal, state and local requirements and it is FREE!

During a Vessel Safety Check, you can talk with a Vessel Examiner, about the use of marine safety equipment and ask boating-related safety questions.  You will receive an evaluation form showing missing equipment and safety problems and you will get a 10% discount on safety equipment at participating Marine Equipment Stores, if you show them your Vessel Safety Check form.

For more information, please proceed to these pages:

• Getting a FREE Vessel Safety Check
• Filing a Float Plan

By the way, a Vessel Safety Check is not a law-enforcement operation: no citations, fines, or reporting to agencies is ever done. It is a FREE education service for recreational boaters to help you with getting your boat ready for the season!

A VSC should be done each year and boats that meet the safety requirements will be awarded a VSC decal  to display on their boat.

Click here to learn more about getting a FREE Vessel Safety Check.

For more information, please contact:

Skip Whittaker, JN
Vessel Safetey Check Chair