Request information about the VSC for your boat in the CNY Area

Safe Boating is No Accident.

Safety equipment is not only required depending on size of the vessel, it's important and should be in good working order. A free Vessel Safety Check will help you in both of these key areas, meeting the Federal and State Safety Equipment requirements and making sure it's in good working order. VEs (Vessel Examiners) in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadrons are all volunteers. In addition to Vessel Safety Checks, both organizations also provide Boating Safety Courses that meet or exceed National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) standards.

A Vessel Saftey Check is a free check of a vessel’s equipment for compliance with federal and state safety requirements. The vessel examiners performing this service have been trained to look for some of the more common problems, which might occur in your boat or its associated safety equipment. Some of the items we check are;

	Proper display of numbers
	Registration/Documentation
	Personal Flotation Devices; Life Jackets
	Visual Distress Signals
	Fire extinguishers Ventilation
	Backfire flame control
	Sound producing devices
	Navigation lights State requirements
	Overall vessel condition

If a vessel meets all of the Vessel Safety Check (VSC) requirements it is awarded a VSC decal.

Vessel Safety Checks are not a boarding or law enforcement issue. No citations will be given if boats do not meet the safety requirements.

Boating Safety Education
During the Vessel Safety Check, the vessel examiner will discuss with the recreational boater the purpose of specific marine safety equipment, will clarify various federal and state regulations, will discuss certain safety procedures and practices, and will answer any boating related questions. Some of the topics discussed are;

	Accident reporting
	Charts and aids to navigation
	Survival tips
	Fueling and fuel management
	Float plans Weather and sea conditions
	Availability of boating safety classes

Vessel Safety Check Partners
The United States Power Squadrons, well known for their work in the field of boater safety education, have joined the USCG Auxiliary in the Vessel Safety Check program. Members of the US Power Squadrons are now eligible to become vessel examiners in an effort to increase the number of trained persons conducting Vessel Safety Checks. For more information on the Vessel Safety Check program contact your local USCG Auxiliary or Syracuse Sail & Power Squadron or visit the VSC website