Vessel Safety Check program:

Thank you for your interest in learning more about the Vessel Safety Check program!  In order to be incompliance with Federal, State, and local boating laws your vessel must meet specific requirements.   

Is your boat ready for the season?  Two things that contribute to maximum enjoyment of your boating experiences are safety and comfort.  The Vessel Safety Check program is a joint effort of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Power Squadrons to provide boaters with the knowledge that their vessel is operating in compliance with Federal and State Boating regulations and that they have taken the necessary steps to assure themselves and their guests the maximum comfort and safety.  This program is a voluntary, no cost service provided to the boating public. 

Why would I want a Vessel Safety Check performed?

A vessel safety check is a no-cost way to determine if your boat meets Federal, State, and Local requirements (required for VSC decal award) and carries the recommended items (recommended but not required for VSC decal).

How do I get a vessel safety check performed for my boat?

The following U.S. Power squadron members are qualified Vessel Safety Check Examiners and can arrange to meet you at your vessel to perform the examination.  Please contact Bob Bray to schedule an exam:

You must be present for the examination.  Examiners cannot board your vessel without you being present.

If your boat is trailered, the examination can be performed while the boat is on the trailer, however, the boat must be launched before the VSC decal can be awarded (the examination is not complete if we don't know whether or not the vessel will actually float!)

What are you looking for when you examine my boat?

If you request that your vessel be examined to determine if it meets these requirements,  this is what we look for :

What if my boat doesn't pass the examination?

In the event your boat does not pass the examination, you will be given a list of the items which need correction.  When these items have been corrected, you may re-contact the examiner for a re-inspection  of those items, and if they meet requirements, you will be awarded the VSC decal.

NOTE: NO DECALS WILL BE AWARDED UNTIL A VESSEL MEETS ALL REQUIREMENTS OF THE VSC EXAMINATION.

To learn more about what the Vessel Safety Check looks for,  please click on the following button