IN AN EMERGENCY, DO YOU HAVE THE EQUIPMENT TO SAVE LIVES AND SUMMON HELP?
IS YOUR SAFETY EQUIPMENT STILL WORKING?
DOES YOUR BOAT MEET CURRENT STATE AND FEDERAL SAFETY STANDARDS?
WE’LL BE HOSTING A VESSEL SAFETY CHECK DAY WITH THE USCG AUXILIARY ON SATURDAY, JUNE 18.
There is no charge, and no consequences if you don’t pass – we’ll be giving all participants free dockage for the day too!
The goal is simply to help make boating as safe as possible for you, your family and your friends, through education. We would like to see all boats inspected for the safety of the entire marina community. The focus of the VSC is really safety. This is not law enforcement. The report is kept by the boat owner and the Vessel Examiner and is not sent anywhere.
Boats that fail may be reinspected after the deficiency is corrected. If the boat passes, a sticker is awarded to be displayed on the boat which may help when stopped by marine officers, but is not a guarantee against being asked to show safety equipment!
Getting a VSC and a current safety sticker can:
• Give you more peace of mind. Know you have working equipment.
• Help you avoid substantial safety standard equipment-related fines if you are boarded by law enforcement.
• Potentially lower your vessel insurance rates. Check with your agent.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. Registration and documentation numbers properly displayed. Documented boats: name and hailing port displayed.
2. We check registration or documentation papers.
3. Adequate life jackets and in good condition.
4. Minimum unexpired flares or approved electronic VDS with daytime distress flag.
5. Minimum fire extinguishers depends on length of boat. FE’s older than 12 years must be removed. New rules now in effect.
6. Applies to inboard gasoline engines.
7. Applies to inboard gasoline engines.
8. Sound producing device immediately available.
9. Nav lights operational.
10. Required on boats 26′ or more.
11. Required on boats 26′ or more.
12. MSD’s: if equipped with overboard Y-valve, must be locked (zip tie OK).
13. Nav rules: readily accessible for boats 40′ or more.
14. Overall free of hazards.