Have a Qualified Vessel Examiner meet with you at your vessel for a Free Vessel inspection

“The VSC program helps achieve voluntary compliance with federal and state recreational boating laws, particularly regarding the carriage of safety equipment. It also raises boaters’ awareness of safety issues through one-on-one contact by volunteer vessel examiners. 

     Vessel Examiners will educate boaters through direct, face-to-face boating-safety information exchanges. With this knowledge, it is hoped that recreational boaters will become more involved in maintaining and operating their boats in a safe manner, taking boating safety courses to increase their knowledge and skills in boating, and promoting safe boating to others. 

     The Vessel Safety Check is intended to serve as a “prevention through education, outreach and volunteer compliance” activity and to help recreational boaters gain a respect for the boating environment as a result of the Vessel Safety Check encounter. 

     For the Coast Guard Auxiliary members, the program also includes Auxiliary Facility Inspections and examinations of certain classes of commercial vessels.”

What do inspectors look for?:

1. Display of Registration Numbers

2. Registration and Documentation

3. Personal Flotation Devices (PFD’s         

4. Visual Distress Signals Required

5. Fire Extinguishers         

6. Ventilation        

7. Backfire Flame Control        

8. Sound Producing Devices

9. Navigation Lights

10. Pollution Placards (Oily Waste Discharge)

11. MARPOL Trash Placards (Garbage Dumping Restriction)

12. Marine Sanitation Devices (MSDs).

13. Carriage of Inland Navigation Rules

14. State Requirements

15. Overall Vessel Condition (as applies)

If you have any Questions about a Vessel Safety Exam please contact Ron Fenn at: