What is a 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 the Federal regulations. The Vessel Examiner is a trained specialist and is a member of the United States Power Squadrons . They will also make certain recommendations and discuss certain safety issues that will make you a safer boater.
This is not boarding or a law enforcement issue. No citations will be given as a result of this encounter. We will supply you with a copy of our evaluation so that you may follow some of the suggestions given. Vessels that pass will be able to display our distinctive VSC decal. This does not exempt you from law enforcement boarding, but you can be prepared to make this occurance a positive encounter.
Once again, West Marine has agreed to extend their 10% discount for boaters who have had a Vessel Safety Check (VSC) in 2009. This year, however, all boaters have to do to receive the discount is to show a copy of their completed ANSC7012 VSC form. They are entitled to the discount regardless of whether they pass or fail the VSC. The unconditional discount is to encourage boaters to get a VSC, even if they believe they may not be in compliance with all boat and/or carriage requirements. The discount rewards boaters for the educational experience they receive, since all Vessel Examiners discuss a number of safety topics during each check.
When and Where can I get a Vessel Safety Check?
Just Call or Email anyone below
Olympia Sail & Power Squadron Vessel Examiners
- Lt/C Pat Brower, AP (360) 493-1687 tugcap@aol.com
- Lt. Paul Davis, P (360) 432-0464 skookumbay@comcast.net
- D/Lt/C Jim Harden, AP (360) 438-9742 jdharden@msn.com
- P/C Deborah Harden, P (360) 438-9742 jdharden@msn.com
- Lt. Skip Hash, P (360) 877-6227 oyster7@hctc.com
- Lt. Jim Hanson, AP (360) 943-1104 jnmhanson@yahoo.com.
- Lt. Viki Sharp (360) 866-7134 vscarnie@msn.com
- P/Lt/C William Walker, AP (360) 754-0393 bnrwalker@comcast.net
What will the Examiner look for?
- Proper Display of Numbers
- Registration/Documentation
- Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
- Visual Distress Signals (VDS)
- Fire Extinguishers
- Ventilation
- Backfire Flame Arrestor
- Sound Producing Devices/Bell
- Navigation Lights
- Pollution Placard
- MARPOL Trash Placards
- Marine Sanitation Device
- Navigation Rules
- State and/or Local Requirements
- Overall Vessel Condition
If the vessel has all the required items (listed above) on board and are in good working order, the vessel examiner will award a VSC decal to affix to the vessel.
Additional Safety Equipment
- Marine Radio
- Dewatering Device & Backup
- Mounted Fire Extinguishers
- Anchor and Line for Area
- First Aid and Person-In-Water Kit (PIW)
- Inland Visual Distress Signals
Note: The above items not required for the award of the Vessel Safety Check decal.
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 practices, and will answer any boating related questions.
Some of the topics discussed are:
- Accident Reporting/Owner Responsibility
- Charts and Aids to Navigation
- Offshore Operations
- Survival Tips
- First Aid
- Float Plans
- Weather and Sea Conditions
- Fueling and Fuel Management
- Boating Checklist
- Availability of Boating Safety Classes
To get your vessel "Safety Checked" or for more information on the Vessel Safety Check program, contact the Olympia Sail and Power Squadron. Remember! This is a FREE public service provided in the interest of Boating Safety...