Vessel Safety Examinations

EVEN EXPERIENCED BOATERS NEED A VESSEL SAFETY CHECK!
It could save your life and the life of your family.

The most cautious boaters can sometimes experience unexpected problems on the water. That's why the U.S. Coast Guard recommends that all recreational boaters, including personal watercraft and paddle sport users, take advantage of the free Vessel Safety Check program every year.

A Vessel Safety Check (VSC) 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 member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. They will also make certain recommendations and discuss certain safety issues that will make you a safer boater.

The VSC is performed at your boat − whether in a slip, at the launch ramp, or in your driveway − at a mutually − convenient time, and usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending upon the size of your boat

A VSC is not an official boarding or a law enforcement issue. No citations will be given as a result of this encounter. The examiner will supply you with a copy of your evaluation so that you may follow some of the suggestions given. Vessels that pass will be able to display a distinctive VSC decal.

This decal does not exempt you from law enforcement boarding, but you can be prepared to make any future law enforcement boarding a positive encounter.

Click here to go to our Virtual Vessel Examination and check your own boat.

Click here to search for a Vessel Examiner near you using your zip code.