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What is a Vessel Safety Check?
A Vessel Safety Check (VSC) is a courtesy inspection offered by the USCG Auxiliary to help the recreational boating community have safe and enjoyable experiences on the water. It is free of charge and performed at your boat whether in your slip, boatyard, or driveway. A vessel safety check usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending upon the size of your boat.
What's In it For Me?Vessels passing safety checks are awarded a U.S. Coast Guard / Auxiliary Decal that informs any interested parties, including law enforcement, that your boat was in full compliance with all Federal and State boating laws during a safety check for that year. Best of all every Vessel Safety Check is 100% Free of charge!
Why Receive a Vessel Safety Check?
Safety and peace of mind that your boat meets all applicable federal safety standards and in an emergency your equipment can be counted on.
Receiving a Vessel Safety check may entitle an owner to annual discounts on boating insurance. All decals and safety checks expire on December 31st. Of course, having a decal doesn't mean an operator /owner can fail to maintain the required equipment or the vessel itself to the standard at the time of the safety check.
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
What if my boat doesn't pass a VSC?
If your boat does not pass, you are provided a complimentary written report that clearly identifies any discrepancies requiring attention before getting underway.
An inspection failure is not a citation. However, if you get underway with discrepancies and are inspected by law enforcement (e.g., Harbor and Marine Patrols, State Game Officials, USCG), you may receive a citation.
How Do I Find an Examiner?
Are you ready to get started with on your path to safer boating? Complete the short request form on the National VSC site and click the submit button. We will locate the closest volunteer vessel examiners within 30 miles of your location and request that they contact you and set up a Vessel Safety Check for your boat.
Vessel Examiners Serve Boating Community
Boat owners are sometimes nervous about getting inspected, but Vessel Examiner John Burnett's friendly and professional conduct puts boaters at ease. This boater learns that his fire extinguisher has been recalled and can be replaced at no cost.
Checking navigation lights in bright sunshine presents a special challenge. Here John demonstrates that even a dim light will cast a reflection on his wedding band.
Vessel Examiner, John Rankin, carefully reviews this vessel's registration as a routine part of the vessel examination.
Larger vessels require an engine room inspection. Many serious safety concerns can be identified and corrected before leaving the dock.
Larger vessels have more complicated navigation lighting requirements. This boat owner is working with John to determine which switch settings are for underway or anchoring. It is quickly discovered that a light has burned out. Good work, John.
