District 11NR Public Information - Vessel Safety Checks
Vessel Safety Check
Vessel Safety Check (VSC) is a national program which reduces the number of accidents and boating fatalities. |
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
Why Have A Vessel Safety Check
Vessel Safety Check Resources
(Non-Paddlecraft)
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USCG Auxiliary Vessel Safety Check List (Non-Paddlecraft) |
Places you can find a Vessel Safety Check Station To set up a time for a Vessel Safety Check if you can't find one close to you, |
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.