For more than sixty years, the USCG Auxiliary has been recognized around the world as a premier safe boating organization. This reputation was earned by the Auxiliary’s ability to evolve and expand its programs to meet the ever-changing needs of the recreational boating public.

A cornerstone of the Auxiliary’s safe boating program, the Courtesy Marine Examination has been evolving since its inception in 1947. Originally begun as the Motor Boat Examination program, the Courtesy Examination program was recently benchmarked against current recreational boater’s needs. A study group comprised of industry, and other boating safety organizations were consulted to determine the next step in evolving the program. The result was the Vessel Safety Check program.

What is a Vessel Safety Check?

It is a free check of a vessel’s equipment for compliance with federal and state safety requirements. The vessel examiners performing this service have been trained to look for some of the more common problems, which might occur in your boat or its associated safety equipment. Some of the items we check are;

• Proper display of numbers
• Registration/Documentation
• Personal Flotation Devices; Life Jackets
• Visual Distress Signals
• Fire extinguishers
• Ventilation
• Backfire flame control
• Sound producing devices
• Navigation lights
• State requirements
• Overall vessel condition

If a vessel meets all of the Vessel Safety Check (VSC) requirements it is awarded a VSC decal.

Boating Safety Education

During the Vessel Safety Check, the vessel examiner will discuss with the recreational boater the purpose of specific marine safety equipment, will clarify various federal and state regulations, will discuss certain safety procedures and practices, and will answer any boating related questions. Some of the topics discussed are;

• Accident reporting
• Charts and aids to navigation
• Survival tips
• Fueling and fuel management
• Float plans Weather and sea conditions
• Availability of boating safety classes

Vessel Safety Check Partners

The United States Power Squadrons, well known for their work in the field of boater safety education, have joined the USCG Auxiliary in the Vessel Safety Check program. Members of the United States Power Squadrons are now eligible to become vessel examiners in an effort to increase the number of trained persons conducting Vessel Safety Checks.

For more information on the Vessel Safety Check program contact your local USCG Auxiliary or US Power Squadrons member or visit our web site;