Another goal of USPS is boating safety through community service. We believe that by providing no cost Vessel Safety Checks for boaters, and participating in programs such as Cooperative Charting a safer environment is created for the boating public.
Vessel Safety Check (VSC)
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 Examiners are trained specialists and are members of the Wawenock Sail & Power Squadron, other branches of the USPS, or the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. They will make certain recommendations and discuss certain safety issues that will make you and your boat safer.
The inspection is not a boarding or law enforcement issue. No citations are given as a result of the inspection. The examiners will supply you with a copy of their evaluation sheet so that you can follow some of the suggestions given. Vessels that pass are given a distinctive VSC decal indicating compliance.
Passing a vessel exam may also result in a discount on your boat insurance. This does not exempt you from law enforcement or Coast Guard boarding, but you can be prepared to make this a positive encounter. Click here to get your boat checked.
For more information or to schedule a VSC contact:
Lt John E. McMullen
36 Teal Lane, Bowdoinham, ME 04008
(207-433-7848)
e-mail
Cooperative Charting
Cooperative Charting Program of the United States Power Squadrons is conducted in close coordination with the Marine Chart Division, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Program is a major public service of USPS. Under it, members supply information to the Marine Chart Division of NOS/NOAA leading to corrections to nautical charts, small craft charts, and Coast Pilot publications. They also supply data on depth surveys, range status, and formerly, geodetic marks and aeronautical charts. The Adopt-A-Chart subprogram provides for individual squadrons to assume responsibility to keep a chart or a portion of a chart in their local boating area up to date and get recognition on new editions for their work. We have been told that the Cooperative Charting Program is recognized as the most effective user-participation program in all of the Federal services.
For more information contact:
P/C George B. Apgar
1031 Biscay Rd., Bremen, ME 04551
(207-529-6307)
e-mail