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EVEN EXPERIENCED BOATERS NEED A VESSEL SAFETY CHECK!

15 minutes could save your life and the life of your family!

A Vessel Safety Check (VSC) is performed at your boat - ranging in locations from a marina boat ramp, to your driveway. A Vessel Safety Check usually takes 15 to 30  minutes, depending on the size of your boat.

What's in it for me?

Vessels passing safety checks are a awarded a U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary decal that informs:

• Coast Guard / Coast Guard Auxiliary
• Harbor Patrol
• Sheriff and Police
• other boating law enforcement and safety agencies

that your boat was in full compliance with all Federal and State boating laws during a sfety check for that year. Best of all, every Vessel Safety Check is 100% free of charge!

What if I don't pass?

If your boat does not pass, no citation is issued at that time. Instead, your are provided a written report detailing how to correct any discrepancies.

Why receive a Vessel Safety Check?

SAFETY! The peace of mind that your boat meets federal safety standards and that in an emergency, you will have the necessary equipment to save lives and summon help. Additionally, you will avoid substantial fines should you ever be boarded by the U. S. Coast Guard or other maritime law enforcement agency and found to be in violation.

In many cases, boat insurance companies offer discounts for vessels that undergo a Vessel Safety Check each year. All decals and safety checks expire on December 31st of the year that they are inspected; they are also voided should the operator/owner fail to maintain the vessel's equipment or the vessel itself to the standard at the time of the safety check.

What type of items are checked?

• Life jackets
• Registration and numbering
• Navigation lights
• Ventilation
• Fire extinguishers
• Distress signals (flares, horn, etc.)
• Battery cover and connections

All of these items are currently required by Federal and State laws, and if missing or non-operating, can result in a citation if your vessel is inspected by the U. S. Coast Guard or other maritime law enforcement agency.

To schedule a Vessel Safety Check please click here.

For more information about the U. S. Coast Guard's Vessel Safety Program please click here.