What Is Vessel Safety Check ?

 On January 29th 2000, USPSŪ Chief Commander Arthur H. Farr signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the United States Power Squadrons
and USCG Aux to participate in the Vessel Safety Check Program.

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

Get the official Check-List Form and perform your own check prior to requesting an official check - CLICK HERE FOR FORM

The Portsmouth Power Squadron offers free, voluntary vessel safety checks to all recreational boaters.

What is a Vessel Safety Check?

A Vessel Safety Check is a courtesy examination of your boat (vessel) to verify the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by
State and Federal regulations. The Vessel Examiner is a trained specialist and is a member of the US Power Squadrons. He or she will discuss
safety issues and make recommendations and will help you become a safer boater.

Vessels that pass will be able to display our distinctive VSC decal. This does not exempt you from law enforcement boarding, but it does show you
have made a serious commitment to boating safety.

What if I Fail?

A Vessel Safety Check is not a boarding or law enforcement issue. No citations will be given as a result of a Vessel Safety Check. We will supply
you with a copy of our evaluation so that you may follow the suggestions given. Individual evaluations are not reported back to the Coast Guard or
any other authority. Only aggregate statistics are collected.

What is required?

  1. Display of Numbers
  2. Registration / Documentation
  3. Personal Flotation Devices (PFD)
  4. Visual Distress Signals (VDS)
  5. Fire Extinguishers
  6. Ventilation
  7. Backfire Flame Control
  8. Sound Producing Devices / Bell
  9. Navigation Lights
  10. Pollution Placard
  11. MARPOL Trash Placard
  12. Marine Sanitation Devices
  13. Navigation Rules
  14. State and/ or Local Requirements
  15. Overall Vessel condition
  16. Safe Galley and Heating Systems

*Not all these requirements apply to every boat. For more detail, go to the Virtual VSC page at www.safetyseal.net.

How Can I Get A Vessel Safety Check?

There are numerous ways to request a Vessel Safety Check:

  1. USPS Vessel Examiners can be found at many local marinas and ramps during the boating season. Look for an
    examiner with a red shirt and identification.
  2. Plan on bringing your boat to one of the following scheduled events:
    • Watch this web site for upcoming events.
  3. Click HERE for a VSC request from the USPS Sail & Power Squadron Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

If your Marina, Club or Store would like to schedule VSCs at your event or facility,
contact the Power Squadron Safety Officer Via The Bridge Page

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Webmaster: P/C Lee R. Chasse (AP) - Mail Lee

 

 


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