Do you and your spouse have the confidence that your boat complies with Federal and State regulations intended for safe boating? The United States Power Squadron has affiliated with the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary to provide Vessel Safety Checks (VSCs) to America's boaters.
The VSC program helps to achieve voluntary compliance with federal and state recreational boating safety 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.
The voluntary Vessel Safety Check includes checking your registration and the display of your State registration number, personal floatation devices, visual distress signaling capability, fire extinguishers, ventilation and backfire flame control for gasoline powered boats, sound producing devices, navigation lights, and marine sanitation devices. The examiner will also review other safety issues that are not on the "required" list.
Successful passing of the VSC entitles you to a US Coast Guard sticker to display on your boat and a copy of the inspection form. While not official policy, it is generally felt that display of the sticker eliminates most on-water checks by the U.S. Coast Guard.
While we generally think of power boats as needing many of the safety checks, we also check sail boats, personal watercraft, canoes, and kayaks.
The inspection is often done "on the water", but can be done on a boat ramp or in your back yard. The inspection is free and don't be afraid to fail. We are happy to re-inspect once you have taken care of any deficiencies
For more information and to sign up for a VSC, please call P/D/C Pat Pabouet, P at 860-781-7106.
Click for National VSC Information
Interested in becoming a Vessel Safety Examiner (VSE)?
Giving vessel safety checks is a great activity for new members as well as retired members who would like to get more active. If you have a boat in a marina, it is particularly easy to become the "VSC person" for the marina. You will get a lot of satisfaction in giving your free exam while making your fellow boaters a little more confident.
Click for more information on becoming a VSE
