The Vessel Safety Check Program
Title 14 USC Section 200-800/2000/89
About Vessel Safety Checks
The U.S Coast Guard would like to see all vessels in compliance with equipment carriage requirements and safely operated. If you are uncertain about the safety requirements for your vessel, one way to make sure you are in compliance is to schedule a Vessel Safety Check (VSC), offered as a free public service by the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Other federal and state agencies may also conduct similar types of checks. We strongly recommend that you have your vessel inspected by a Coast Guard Auxiliary Vessel Examiner however, as a part of "Team Coast Guard" they are part of the U.S. Coast Guard and highly trained in both Federal, state, and local laws.
A VSC is not a law enforcement action; however, in some states qualified marine law enforcement personnel may conduct Vessel Safety Checks. Qualified examiners will come to your vessel and conduct a courtesy examination of safety equipment carried or installed and certain aspects of the vessel's overall condition. VSC requirements parallel federal and state requirements with regard to equipment and vessel condition. Those vessels that pass will be awarded a VSC decal indicating a successful check along with a copy of the examination.
What We Check
The items checked during a VSC are:
- Navigation Lights
- Sound producing devices/bell.
- Voice communications
- Life jackets and throwable flotation devices.
- Fire extinguishers.
- Visual distress signals
- Backfire flame control
- Overall vessel condition, including electric-fule systems, gally-heating systems, deck free of hazards/clean bildge
- Ventilation
- Proper display of numbers
- Pollution placard (oily waste discharge)
- MARPOL trash placards (garbage dumping restriction.)
- Maine sanitation devices.
- Registration/documentation.
- Navigation Rules book
- State and/or local requirements.
- Capacity Plates.
Other recommended equipment
While not required on all vessel, the following are also strongly recommended for vessel in which they are not required.
- VHF-FM Marine Radio with Digital Selective Calling System.
- Dewatering Device and Backup
- Mounted Fire Extinguisher
- Anchor and Line
- First Aid Kit
- Person-in-Water (PIW) Kit
During A Vessel Examination
During the Vessel Safety Check, the vessel examiner will discess with the recreational boater the purpose of specific marine safety equipment, will clarify federal and state regulations, will discuss certain safety procedures, and will answer any boating-related questions. Some of the topics discussed are:
- Accident reporting/owner responsibility.
- Charts and Aids to Navigation.
- Offshore operation.
- Inflatable life rafts.
- Immersion suits.
- Survival tips
- First Aid
- Float plans
- Weather and sear conditions
- Insurance considerations
- Fueling and fuel managment
- Boating checklist
- Availability of boating safety classes
- America's Waterway Watch
For More Information
To schedule a Vessel Safety Check, or for more informationon the Vessel Safety Check Program, visit our Vessel Safety Check information site via the link provided.