VESSEL SAFETY CHECKS

One of the  most important elements of safe boating is to insure that your vessel has all the required safety equipment on board and that the equipment is in good working order.  There are several ways to have your vessel checked out to insure that you have all the required safety equipment and that you are complying with all federal and state requirements.

USPS/Coast Guard Auxiliary In-person Check: The most comprehensive, is to request an in-person Vessel Safety Check (VSC) from a representative of the Coast Guard Auxiliary or the local Power Squadron.  This is a FREE service.  This is not a boarding or a law enforcement issue. No citations will be given as a result of this encounter. You will be supplied with a copy of the evaluation so that you may follow some of the suggestions given. Vessels that pass will be able to display the distinctive VSC decal. During the Vessel Safety Check, the vessel examiner has an opportunity to discuss the purpose of the marine safety equipment, to clarify various federal, state, and local regulations, to review boating conditions , to answer any boating-related safety questions and to encourage additional boater education.

Within a twenty mile radius of Burlington (further for three or more boats in a group). the Power Squadron examiner is Everett Stebbins.  Everett can be contacted by calling 802-862-2760 or via email at esteb22760@aol.com.  For vessel safety checks in southern Vermont (Champlain Bridge - Rutland - Whitehall) contact Bob Baker 802-235-1285 or via email at creweldragon@yahoo.com.

To learn more about the Vessel Safety program or to find an examiner further from Burlington, please click --> here to see the VSC website.

Self Evaluation - Vessel Safety Check Website:  You can use the virtual self inspection link on the VSC website to examine your own boat before requesting an in person check or to learn more about the elements of the check.  Click  --> here  to check out the self inspection section of the VSC website.

The Vermont State Police Inspection:  The Vermont State Police perform checks as they patrol the lake during the boating season.  In the future, there are plans to conduct scheduled inspections at a designated location.

Remember, safe boating is built on a foundation which starts with a safe boat.  Please feel free to click--> here to visit the Vessel Safety Check website.