Auxiliary Vessel Examiners perform safety checks at various locations throughout the Lower Connecticut River Valley and the Westbrook & Old Saybrook Shore.  For other times and locations and more info, please email Flotilla Commander Lisette Grunwell at lgrunwell@uscgaux25-02.org.
 

The Vessel Safety Check program is a cornerstone of the Coast Guard Auxiliary's Recreational Boating Safety Mission. A Vessel Safety Check (VSC) is a free lookover of your boat or paddlecraft and its equipment for compliance with federal and state safety requirements. If your vessel meets all the VSC requirements, it is awarded a VSC decal. 

THE PROCESS

The Vessel Examiners performing your VSC have been trained to look for the more common problems, which might occur in your boat or paddlecraft, or with its safety equipment. Some of the items your examiner will check include:

• boat registration

• life jackets

• distress signals

• fire extinguishers

• sound producing devices

• navigation lights

BOATING SAFETY EDUCATION

Also during your VSC, the Vessel Examiner will talk with you about the purpose of specific marine safety equipment, discuss certain safety practices and answer any related questions you have. Some topics discussed include: survival tips, boat fuel management, interpreting sea conditions and how to report accidents. Your examiner is also available to clarify various federal and state regulations for boating in your area.