Vessel Safety Check
Were you aware that you can receive a free vessel safety check of your boat, motor, sail, canoe or kayak without risk or obligation? This valuable service is provided by specially trained members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Throughout the area, there are trained and qualified Vessel Examiners ready to help ensure your boat is in tip-top safety condition.
A Vessel Safety Check (VSC) is a FREE, voluntary check of your boat and its safety equipment. Auxiliarists help educate the boater through a direct, face-to-face boating safety information exchange with the owner or operator and provide instructions on equipment to be carried on board and other matters affecting safety. Federal and local regulations and Auxiliary VSC requirements are explained as well as other matters of interest. The VSC is performed only with the specific consent of the owner/operator, who is present at the time of the examination.
A VSC is performed mainly on pleasure vessels less than 65 feet in length and on certain commercial vessels which are not inspected or certified by the Coast Guard. Auxiliary VSC requirements parallel Federal regulations with regard to equipment to be carried aboard and general condition of the boat.
One of the most commonly asked questions is,
"What if my boat flunks?" No problem, just schedule a second
examination. The VSC is not a law enforcement action. No one
gets a copy of your failure to pass. You get a check
list of your needs and, often, help in obtaining them. Where to get
another examination isn't a dilemma either. Usually, an Auxiliary examiner will
meet you at your boat - back at the ramp or marina or even your house. Click here for a check list of the required
equipment. NOTE: This list could take up to 10 minutes to load, depending
on your browser.
What's the
incentive for you to have a VSC performed on your boat? Well, besides the
obvious feeling of satisfaction in knowing your boat is safe and prepared, the
boat displaying the Coast Guard Auxiliary "Seal of Safety" on its
port windshield signals to the boating world that a responsible skipper cares
about having a safe boat. While no guarantee, often the
Check this site, the Vessel Safety Check Website: http://safetyseal.net/
Compare and Save
Vessel Safety Check by COAST GUARD
AUXILIARY
vs.
Inspection by Coast Guard, Marine
Patrol and Sheriff
|
Violation Average Fine Imposed |
|
(Select Few) |
Coast Guard |
Marine Patrol |
Sheriff |
USCG Auxiliary |
|
PFDs (Each) |
$150.00 |
$35.00 |
$35.00+ |
$0.00 |
|
Fire Extinguisher |
$150.00 |
$35.00 |
$35.00+ |
$0.00 |
|
Visual Distress Signals |
$100.00 |
$35.00 |
$35.00+ |
$0.00 |
|
Numbering |
$ 50.00 |
$35.00 |
$35.00+ |
$0.00 |
|
Horn/Whistle |
$ 50.00 |
$35.00 |
$35.00+ |
$0.00 |
|
|
$ 50.00 |
$35.00 |
$35.00+ |
$0.00 |
|
Navigation Lights |
$100.00 |
$35.00 |
$35.00+ |
$0.00 |
So, how do you
get a VSC? You just have to ask. Contact our Flotilla Staff Officer
in charge of Vessel Examinations, Wayne Stott
at 727-686-2948 or
email him at wstott2@yahoo.com
. He will set you up with a
local Auxiliary Vessel Examiner. In most cases, the volunteer examiner
will meet you at your boat.
