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Boat Smart from the Start
A
Vessel Safety Check is a FREE 15-30 minute inspection of your boat performed
with you and a volunteer member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. The primary goal
of a safety inspection is to discuss with you required safety equipment and
safety features specific to your boat. Results of the Safety Check are not
reported to anyone.
A boat
either passes or fails. If your boat passes the Safety Check, you’ll receive a
Vessel Safety Check (VSC) decal a like the ones above to be affixed to your
boat or paddle craft, indicating all required equipment is aboard and
functioning properly. By having the VSC decal, your boat is recognized by law
enforcement agencies as being equipped with the required safety items.
If
your boat fails, a decal is not given, and you will receive a list of the
missing or damaged items which need to be attended to for your boat to meet
Federal and State requirements. Upon acquiring or repairing these items you may
contact the Auxiliarist who will re-inspect your boat. If everything is in
order, a "Vessel Safety Check" decal will then be issued.
Do You Have Enough Life Jackets?
· Are
they in Excellent Condition?
· Where
are They?
· Are
they still in the packaging you purchased them in (They shouldn't be)?
· If
your life depended on a Life Jacket, would you be comfortable going into the
water with any one of the Life Jackets on your boat?
· Do you
have the right sizes available for children or large adults?
· Does
your Life Jacket have a light so you can be seen after dark?
· What
is in the pockets of your Life Jacket?
· Is
other survival gear such as a mirror or die marker attached to your life vest?
Why Should I Sign Up for a Vessel Safety
Check?
· Ensure
your Boat is safe for you, your family and guests
· Discuss
your boat with a fellow boater who is also a trained and experienced member of
the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
· Results
are confidential. We do not give any information about you or your boat to
anyone and no tickets or summonses are ever issued.
· It's
FREE and convenient we come to you at your boat.
Boats that pass the
Safety Check receive a "VSC" decal.
What Do I need to Pass a Safety Inspection?
The
requirements are different based on the size of your boat. The following is a
list of some of the items we check:
· Registration
# on boat with proper spacing
· Registration
Certificate on board
· Navigation
Lights in working order
· 3
current day and night flares
· Wearable
and throwable life preservers
· Distress
flag (18 ft & over)
· All
boats must carry a sound producing device (whistle, horn, siren, etc.) capable
of a 4-second blast audible for ½ mile
· Boats
larger than 39.4 ft. are required to have a bell
· Pollution
Placard and Trash Placard (26 ft & over)
· Fire
Extinguishers
· Blower
working and Proper Ventilation
· Backfire
flame arrestor (gasoline engines)
· Anchor
& sufficient line
· Oar or
paddle (under 16 ft)
· Bilge
pumps in working order
· Battery
terminals covered and in good condition
· Holding
tank for head
· Boats
39.4 feet & over must have on board a current copy of the Navigation Rules
Interested
in a Free Vessel Safety Check?
Click
the link below after reviewing the Marinas we service.
I Want A VSC
Scott’s Landing Marina
Marina Manager: Caroline Mize
Address: 2500 Oak Grove Loop S, Grapevine, TX 76051
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 817-481-4549
Twin Coves Marina
Marina Manager: Angie Lamb
Address: 4500 Murrell Park Rd, Flower Mound, TX 75022, USA
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 972-724-1804
Silver Lake Marina
Marina Manager: Matt Hogg
Address: 2500 Fairway Drive #1 Grapevine, TX 76051
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 817-481-1918