Chairman: Dick Carson, A

On 29 January 2000, USPS Chief Commander Arthur H. Farr signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGAUX) to participate in the Vessel Safety Check Program (VSCP).

The Vessel Safety Check Program, formerly known as Courtesy Marine Examinations (CME's). Beginning May 1, 2000 the NEW VSCP, Vessel Safety Check Program will be launched nation wide by the USCG Auxiliary and United States Power Squadrons.

In 1999, the Auxiliary signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States Coast Guard that put the USCG Auxiliary in charge of overall operation and administration of the Vessel Safety Check Program. It also allowed for the expansion of the program to other organizations. The Auxiliary turned to the United States Power Squadrons as a logical partner.

Founded in 1914, USPS is the world's oldest, largest non-profit boating education organization. Its 60,000 plus members are dedicated to boating safety and education. Many squadron members are also members of the Auxiliary and have already received the necessary training to conduct Vessel Safety Checks. USPS is currently gearing up to provide that instruction for the rest of its membership.

The focus of this joint effort is not to split up the work but to expand the program. The goal set by the re-engineering study was to examine 1.3 million vessels annually by the year 2002. This will require 32,500 trained examiners doing an average of 40 vessels a year. Another key component will be a marketing effort to increase the demand for and understanding of Vessel Safety Checks by the recreational boating public.

The Vessel Safety Check Program is an effective, proactive preventative safety program unique to the recreational boating community. It insures that key marine safety equipment is present, is within prescribed functional limits, and is compliant with Federal, State, and local regulations. It provides the examiner an opportunity to discuss with the recreational boater, the purpose of the marine safety equipment, to clarify various Federal, State, and local regulations, to emphasize specific safety procedures and practices, to answer any boating related questions and to encourage additional boater education.