One of the important missions of the Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) effort for the Auxiliary and the Woods Hole Flotilla is the RBS Program Visitor (PV) program, previously known as the Marine Dealer program. 

Our partners typically include local marinas and yacht clubs, marine dealerships, repair facilities, sporting goods stores and retailers who sell boating an fishing gear, bait shops, hardware stores and select local retailers, as well as public libraries.

The PVs interact with the owners, managers and employees of the locations the "call on". They provide a variety of boating safety material, information on our Public Education programs, the Vessel Safety Check program and other information about safe boating. 

Below are pictures of Woods Hole Flotilla members interacting with recreational boaters at a     Safe Boating Display and discussing kayak safety. Also shown are examples of the safe boating literature provided to "Program Partners" for use with the recreational boating public.

In order to become qualified as a Program Visitor (PV), first you need to read the RBS Program Visitor Manual AND become familiar with the Federal and Massachusetts Boating Regulations. It is also helpful to read the Vessel Examiner Manual, since you may be asked about topics related to required safety equipment, while interacting with the public. Once you've read the manuals and the boating regulations, you must pass an online test (90%), then complete 2 supervised visits on assigned locations with a qualified Program Visitor (PV). Once these 2 are complete, and entered into AUXDATA, you are qualified to begin conducting visits on your own!

Click here for a PDF version of the most recent Program Visitor Manual
Click here for a PDF version of the most recent Vessel Examiner Manual
Click here for a PDF version of the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats 
Click here for a PDF version of the MA Guide to Boating Laws & Regulations

You can also access the online MA Boating License Handbook 

You can visit Vessel Examiner and Program Visitor website to learn more about the Vessel Examiner and the RBS Program Visitor program

Go to the National Testing Center to take the PV Test

You can also contact Ron Grossman, our Flotilla Staff Officer, RBS Program Visitors.