Vessel Safety Check...

Under a Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. Power Squadrons and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary dated 29 January 2000, the U.S. Power Squadrons became partners with the USCGAux. in a national program to provide safety checks to recreational boaters.  The VSC Program replaces the Courtesy Marine Examination Program, and is designed to assist boaters in complying with federal and state recreational boating laws and regulations.  The VSC Program will help minimize the loss of life, personal injury, property damage and environmental impact associated with the use of recreational boats in order to maximize the safe use and enjoyment of United States waterways by the public.

Vision

Safe, Responsible & Fun Recreational Boating

 Mission

Minimize the loss of life, personal injury, property damage and environmental impact while maximizing the safe use and enjoyment of U.S. waterways by recreational boaters. The Vessel Safety Check process is one of “prevention through education, outreach and volunteer compliance” helping recreational boaters to gain a respect for the boating environment.

The VSC Program also helps to achieve voluntary compliance with federal and state recreational boating safety laws, particularly with regard to the carriage of safety equipment while raising boater awareness about safety and environmental issues through voluntary contact by a Vessel Examiner (VE). VE discussions with recreational boaters is designed to motivate maintaining and operating their boats in a safe manner, taking boating safety courses to increase their knowledge and skills in boating, and promoting safe boating.

The Vessel Safety Check (VSC) program involves the USCG, USCG Auxiliary, United States Power Squadrons, and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, to provide free, courtesy safety examinations of recreational boats. Examiners are available to check boats for meeting federal and state requirements for the equipment that they are required to carry. They also check for general safety conditions.

Owners of boats that meet the VSC requirements receive the VSC decal shown above to indicate that their boat was examined and passed. If a boat does not meet all of the VSC requirements, the owner gets a listing of what is needed to bring his boat up to the legal requirements. No tickets are ever issued and no reports are made to law enforcement authorities. The program is a win-win proposition for boaters who wish to have a trained examiner inspect their boats, at no cost, to ensure they have all the equipment required by regulations. You can use a Pre-Departure Checklist to prepare for inspection of your vessel.

Online Vessel Safety Check - This fun, interactive program lets you find out if your boat or personal watercraft would pass a Vessel Safety Check, before you have one. It's easy and convenient to use!

This VSC decal should be on your vessel, and the only way to get it is to have a VSC vessel examiner from USPS, or a nearby USCG Auxiliary Flotilla, check your boat.  It is your assurance that your vessel is properly equipped for fun and safety on the water. If you are interested in this program, either for boat inspection or to become an examiner, contact the nearest squadron or flotilla for further information.

To arrange for an inspection, call the Ponce de Leon Inlet Sail & Power Squadron at 877-276-0837

or

email to Have Your Boat Checked!

Certified vessel safety examiners from the Ponce de Leon Inlet Sail and Power Squadron are available to meet boat owners at their home, office, boat dock or storage area to administer an inspection of their vessel free of charge.

The examiners check the condition of the boat's safety equipment and make recommendations. They also can provide a discount coupon to obtain any safety gear that may needed. Once the boat has passed inspection, the owner will receive a decal for the vessel.

P/C William R. Myers, SN

webpage updated 09/09/2008