Vessel Examinations

Vessel Exam Days for 2024 have not yet been planned. Dates will be announced in early 2024

And remember, you can get your vessel checked any time - you don't have to wait for a Vessel Exam Day event. Just go to the I Want a Vessel Safety Check Website and submit a request any time.

And in the mean time, take a look at some of the useful links on the right to learn more about Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) and Vessel Exams (VE).

Some useful links:

• National VE Site
• Virginia Boating Resources
• Maryland Boating Resources
• Auxiliary RBS Wiki

Vessel Examiners and Members: If you plan on taking pictures of any event, please remember to have AUX Media/Photo Release forms on hand.

Vessel Examiners should be aware of the capabilities and approvals of the SIRIUS SOS C-1001 electronic distress light. This light is acceptable as a nighttime visual distress signal.

SIRIUS has included a daytime distress flag in the SOS C-1001 packaging so that it can market the package as a solution for a combined day/night signal, and as a replacement for flares.  As long as the SIRIUS Signal Model SOS C-1001 is carried in conjunction with an acceptable daytime distress signal, this satisfies the daytime/nighttime signaling requirement.  

All electronic visual distress signals, in order to be acceptable, must be legibly and indelibly marked with the statement: “Night Visual Distress Signal for Boats Complies with U.S. Coast Guard Requirements in 46 CFR §161.013. For Emergency Use Only”, and must also be marked with the manufacturer’s name, replacement battery type and lamp size.

If an electric light is designed for use with dry cell batteries the label must advise the consumer on the battery replacement schedule, which under normal conditions would maintain performance requirements of 46 §CFR 161.013-3

When conducting a vessel safety check, all Auxiliary Vessel Examiners (VEs) are to check/verify this piece of safety equipment in accordance with the Vessel Safety Check Manual, COMDTINST M16796.8A.  Any further questions or concerns regarding this equipment should be routed appropriately via the Auxiliary's chain of leadership and management.