Anna Maria Island Sail & Power Squadron
Vessel Safety Check
20 minutes could save your life!
The United States Power Squadrons and the Coast Guard Auxiliary participate in the Vessel Safety Check (VSC) program through the United States Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety. A typical VSC takes between
20 to 30 minutes. The VSCs are offered for FREE by certified Power Squadron
or Coast Guard Auxiliary members.
If your vessel passes, you will be given a decal indicating that your boat has passed a safety inspection. However, if your vessel does not pass there is no obligation to comply with any resulting recommendations. Also, no report will be made to the USCG if the boat fails the inspection.
Coast Guard Pictorial Walkthrough of a VSC
| Please do a Pre-Safety Check before VSC request | |
| Proper display of numbers: FL 1234 TB | |
| Current Registration Documentation | |
| Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) Throw ring/cushion immediately available |
|
| Visual Distress Signals (Day and night flares, flag, SOS light...) |
|
| Fire Extinguishers (Green/Full/Date) | |
| Ventilation (gas engine in closed compartment) | |
| Sound Producing Devices (Horn, whistle...) | |
| Navigation Lights (Red, green, white) | |
| Pollution Placard (oil) (if over 26 feet) | |
| MARPOL Trash Placard (over 26 feet) | |
| Backfire Flame Control/Arrestor (For inboard gas motors) |
|
| Marine Sanitation Devices (Head) Locate Y-Valve, confirm locked/zip-tied: off |
|
| State and Local Requirements | |
| Deck free of Hazards / Clean Bilge | |
| Clean Fuel and Electrical Systems | |
| Clean Galley - Heating Systems | |
| Emergency Cut-Off Switch (Lanyard or Fob) If less than 26 feet and newer than 2000 |
|
- Note- If you have a Marine Sanitation Device: make sure you can locate the Y-Valve (shut off valve) and it is locked or zip-tied to off.
