Have your vessel inspected for safety equipment.

A vessel safety check is a courtesy examination of a boat to verify the presence and operable condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations. The vessel examiner (VE) is a trained specialist and is a member of United States Power Squadrons or US Coast Guard Auxiliary. The VE will also make certain recommendations and discuss safety related issues that will make boat owners safer boaters.

* It is important that you have a yearly vessel safety check.

What we look for

• Proper display of numbers

• Registration/documentation

• Personal flotation devices

• Visual distress signals

• Fire extinguishers

• Ventilation

• Backfire flame control (gas engines)

• Sound producing devices

• Navigation lights

• Pollution placard

• MARPOL trash placard

• Marine sanitation devices

• Navigation rules (39.4 feet and over)

• State and local requirements

• Overall vessel condition: Deck free of hazards; clean bilge; safe electrical and fuel systems; safe galley and heating systems