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Vessel Safety Check

 Vessel Safety Check (VSC) is a national program which reduces
the number of accidents and boating fatalities.

2020 VSC Decal
Vessel Safety Checks
SAVE LIVES
Sign-up today!

 

Mission Statement


♦ The mission of this program is to minimize the loss of life, personal injury,
   property damage and environmental impact associated with the use of recreational
   boats, through preventive means.
♦ The  Vessel Safety Check is much more than a compliance-oriented examination.
♦ It is an opportunity to help educate boaters through a direct face-to-face boating
   information  exchange.

California Boater Card Information

California will begin enforcing its Boater Card on January 1, 2018.  

For details Click this Link PDF Icon

Why Have A Vessel Safety Check

  1. Know where all your equipment is at a glance
  2. Have the right things handy when you need them
  3. Have a checklist of your safety items
  4. Know all your safety items are in compliance with State and Federal regulations
A short audio regarding a VSC by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

Vessel Safety Check Resources

(Non-Paddlecraft)
USCG Auxiliary Vessel Safety Check List
(Non-Paddlecraft) 

Places you can find a Vessel Safety Check Station 
Locations

To set up a time for a Vessel Safety Check if you can't find one close to you,
email Mike Lauro DSO-VE 
 Label your Kayaks and Canoes: Paddle craft Safety
(PDF)
USCG AUXILIARY Paddlecraft Vessel Safety Check Review
Paddle Craft required items list 

Operation Paddle Smart


The U.S. Coast Guard Auxillary has introduced “Operation Paddle Smart” through their “Vessel Safety Check” program to help you with this. You will be given Paddle Smart stickers for your kayak or canoe at the end each Vessel Safety Check.

Group Commander Remarks:

"The bottom line is these Paddle Smart stickers can save lives" says Captain Chris Martino, Commander, Group/Air Station Humboldt Bay. "By enabling the Coast Guard to rapidly link abandoned or drifting paddle craft to their owners, these stickers help rescuers to determine if a mariner is truly in distress and, in many cases, the best search area. Considering the harsh Pacific Northwest environment, minutes can often make all the difference.

Even if it is determined that the owner is not in distress, these stickers can ensure that valuable property gets back to its rightful owner. It's remarkable that something as small and insignificant as a Paddle Smart sticker can provide such an overwhelming benefit to the boating public.

I have one on my kayak."

These situations are easy to avoid by labeling your kayak or canoe, as well as your other paddling gear such as your PFD, paddles, etc. This can help prevent any turmoil should they go adrift.

 

Request a Vessel Safety Check

Additional Information can be found on the National Vessel Safety Check web page