What is a Vessel Safety Check (VSC)?
The purpose of the Vessel Safety Check or VSC service is to help you achieve voluntary compliance with federal, state, and local recreational boating safety laws, particularly regarding the carriage of safety equipment. It heightens your awareness of critical safety issues through one-on-one contact with a trained Coast Guard Auxiliary Vessel Examiner.
A VSC is your best way of learning about problems that might put you in violation of state or federal laws or, worse, create danger for you or your passengers on the water.
Our Vessel Examiners have been trained and qualified in inspecting recreational vessels for compliance with federal, state, and local boating safety requirements. The Examiner will check the presence and condition of approximately fifteen items required by state and federal regulations. Additionally, they will discuss items that are recommended but not required, and answer your questions on boating safety. There are no penalties for not successfully completing a Vessel Safety Check. The Vessel Examiner will provide you with a copy of the Vessel Safety Check form, allowing you to make the recommended safety improvements at your own discretion.
The Seal of Safety decal (at left) is awarded upon successful completion of the Vessel Safety Check (VSC), and is affixed immediately by the operator in the presence of the Vessel Examiner.
The Seal of Safety decal attests to the fact that your boat is in compliance with Federal and State requirements. It shows that you are a responsible and conscientious operator of a safely equipped boat.
As a service to the public, the Coast Guard Auxiliary provides vessel safety checks at no charge. The vessel examiners performing this service have been trained to look for the 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
For a list and pictures of what equipment is required for a VSC you can first visit the Safety Seal web site and take their Virtual VSC.
To arrange a Vessel Safety Check or for more information, please contact us.
More boating safety resources can be found on our links page.
|
