Vessel Safety Checks

As one of our boating safety missions, we conduct complimentary Vessel Safety Checks of recreational watercraft (boats, personal watercraft, etc.).

These are examples of some of the items examined during a Vessel Safety Check:

Personal Flotation Devices (life jackets) Navigation lights Fire extinguishers Battery cover and connections

Registration and numbering Ventilation Distress signals (flares, horn, etc.)

All of these items, and more, are currently required by stte and federal laws and, if missing or non-operating, can result in a citation if your vessel is inspected by local, regional or national law enforcement personnel.

We do not issue citations, nor do we report the results of the safety check to any enforcement agency, but we will advise you of the recommended safety features for your size boat and will award a decal to display on your boat if it has passed the safety check.

The Vessel Safety Check gives you a risk-free way to meet the legal minimums and to potentially avoid a costly citation.

You may arrange for a Vessel Safety Check by:

Catching a member of the Auxiliary at a Marina or other location. Contacting a flotilla VE Officer to schedule an exam (see flotilla links). Visiting the National "I Want A VSC" Website (click anywhere in the area below).