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 or the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. 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 a positive encounter.

During an examination the Vessel Examiner will look at:

• Registration and vessel numbers
• Navigation lights
• Anchor & line
• Life Jackets
• Fire extinguishers
• Sound producing device
• Flame arrestors and ventilation (if required)
• No oil in bilge
• General safe boat condition

Visit theVirtual VSC page and do a self-evaluation of your own boat, this is just between you and your boat. You may then ask for a Vessel Examiner to contact you for an actual VSC! Contact our Vessel Safety Chair  and they will help coordinate a Vessel Safety Check, or you can request support by going to the I Want a VSC page and enter your ZIP Code to contact an examiner near you.