Vessel Safety Check Information
All Vessel Safety checks are performed by the Vessel examiners of Flotilla 56, Brookings, OR US Coast Guard Auxiliary. | EVEN EXPERIENCED BOATERS NEED A VESSEL SAFETY CHECK! 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. The courtesy Vessel Safety Check (VSC) is performed at your boat – whether in a slip, at the launch ramp, or in your driveway – by a certified Vessel Examiner, at a mutually-convenient time, and usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending upon the size of your boat or type of watercraft. |
| What If I Don't Pass? If your boat does not pass, no report is filed. Instead, you are provided a written report that aids you in correcting any discrepancies noted. Often, a quick trip to the local marine chandlery is all that is necessary to obtain missing safety items and easily pass a re-inspection. Also, at the time of inspection we also discuss other areas of safety that are not required. Our goal is to assist you in making your boating trip as safe as possible for you, your family and friends. |  |
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 state and federal laws and, if missing or non-operating, can result in a citation if your vessel is inspected by the Coast Guard.
