Introduction
The mission of the Coast Guard Recreational Boating
Safety program is to minimize the loss of life, personal injury, property
damage and environment impact associated with the use of recreational
vessels through preventive means. The VSC program supports one of the
program's key goals: to improve the demonstrated knowledge, skills,
abilities and behaviors of boaters.
The VSC is not a boarding or law enforcement issue. No
citations will be given as a result of this encounter. The boater will be
given a copy of the completed evaluations so that the boater may follow
some of the suggestions given. Vessels that pass will be able to display
the distinctive VSC decal. This does not exempt the boater from law
enforcement boarding, but the boater can be prepared to make this a
positive encounter.
What is a Vessel Safety Check?
A Vessel Safety Check (VSC) is a FREE check to boaters
who wish to be sure that their vessel meets all federal and state
equipment requirements. Vessel Examiners performing this service have been
trained to look for some of the more common problems, which might occur on
vessels or their associated safety equipment. The items checked are:
- Proper Display of Numbers
- Registration/Documentation
- Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
- Visual Distress Signals (VDS)
- Fire Extinguishers
- Ventilation
- Backfire Flame Arrestor
- Sound Producing Devices/Bell
- Navigation Lights
- Pollution Placard
- MARPOL Trash Placards
- Marine Sanitation Device
- Navigation Rules
- State and/or Local Requirements
- Overall Vessel Condition
If the vessel has all the required items (listed above) on board and are in
good working order, the vessel examiner will award a VSC decal to affix to
the vessel.
Additional Safety Equipment
- Marine Radio
- Dewatering Device & Backup
- Mounted Fire Extinguishers
- Anchor and Line for Area
- First Aid and Person-In-Water Kit (PIW)
Note: PIW consists of one extra wearable PFD and a throwable type IV PFD
with line
Inland Visual Distress Signals
- Capacity/Certification of Compliance
Note: The above items not required for the award of
the Vessel Safety Check decal.
Boating Safety Education
During the Vessel Safety Check, the vessel examiner
will discuss with the recreational boater the purpose of specific marine
safety equipment, will clarify various federal and state regulations, will
discuss certain safety procedures practices, and will answer any boating
related questions. Some of the topics discussed are:
- Accident Reporting/Owner Responsibility
- Charts and Aids to Navigation
- Offshore Operations
- Survival Tips
- First Aid
- Float Plans
- Weather and Sea Conditions
- Fueling and Fuel Management
- Boating Checklist
- Availability of Boating Safety Classes
For Further Information
To get your vessel "Safety Checked" or for more information on the
Vessel Safety Check program, contact your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
or U.S. Power Squadron member or visit the
Vessel Safety Check
web site.
Remember! This is a FREE public service provided in
the interest of Boating Safety.
