PAGE 4 • SUMMER 2006 THE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SAILING ASSOCIATION
SAFETY AT SEA - VESSEL SAFETY CHECK
By Wayne Spivak and Robert Daraio, USCG Auxiliary
I
t is a known fact that safe boats do save lives. For
recreational boaters, operating any size or type of
boat, safety should be an all-important part of the
boating experience. In addition to wearing lifejackets and
completing a boating safety course, getting an annual
Vessel Safety Check of your boat is an ideal way to boat
smart from the start.
What is a Vessel Safety Check? A Vessel Safety Check
(VSC) is a free courtesy check of your boat to verify the
presence and condition of specific safety equipment
required by federal, state and local regulations.
A vessel examiner is a certified member of the U.S.
In addition to performing vessel safety checks, vessel examiners
Coast Guard Auxiliary and/or the U.S. Power Squadron can also make suggestions on optional marine safety equipment
who is trained to conduct a VSC. He or she will perform
and answer boating safety questions.
the VSC on your boat, discuss the purpose and value of
required and optional marine safety equipment, answer
For more information about safe boating, contact the Coast
any boating related safety questions, and make
Guard at www.uscgboating.org.
recommendations that will help make you a safer boater.
boater while providing some extra safety tips. For
“A VSC is a public service intended to serve as
example, putting plastic covers on boat battery terminals,
prevention through education. It is also intended to help
carrying a VHF marine radio, filing a float plan, de-
recreational boaters gain a respect for the boating
watering devices, anchor and lines, and carrying a toolkit
environment,” says Peter Urgola, department chief of
and first aid kit are just a few.
Vessel Examination for the auxiliary. “What the boater
will receive is a copy of the safety check and basic
Get prepared ahead
evaluation so that the boater can learn about safety
Before venturing out on the water each time, it is always
equipment, safety precautions, and follow some of the
a good idea to discuss safety and safe operation
suggestions for a safe outing.”
procedures with your passengers. Fit each passenger with
What’s involved in a check
a lifejacket making sure it is snug. Then, locate and
discuss the operation of various safety items such as fire
It is important to note that a VSC usually takes about
extinguishers, VHF radio, flashlights, first aid kits, and
20-30 minutes to perform, is totally voluntary, is not a
life lines.
boarding or a law enforcement action, and there are no
citations ever given as a result.
How do you obtain and schedule a local Vessel Safety
Check in your area? This year, from May 20th through
Boats that “pass” a VSC will receive a distinctive VSC
July 9th, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power
decal, which is displayed on your boat. “The decal does
Squadron will be promoting the annual Vessel Safety
not exempt the boater from a law enforcement boarding,
Check Mega Weeks, where vessel examiners will set up
but it does indicate that the boat has received a Vessel
VSC stations in your area. To contact a vessel examiner
Safety Check and will better prepare the operator for a
directly go to www.vesselsafetycheck.org and click the “I
more positive encounter should he or she get boarded by
Want A VSC” button. You will also find a wealth of
a law enforcement officer,” says Urgola.
boating safety information.
Obtaining a VSC has some great benefits. According to
Urgola, passing a VSC will qualify the boat for a discount
You can obtain additional information about boating
from some participating marine insurance companies.
safety education and Vessel Safety Checks, and can
Additionally, if your boat does not pass the VSC, you can
locate a flotilla unit nearest you, by visiting:
receive discounts on missing or replacement boating
www.cgaux.org and going to the “visitors” section.
safety equipment items. Simply take a copy of the VSC
report to the nearest participating retailer, purchase
Wearing lifejackets, taking a boating safety course,
those items, and return to get another VSC completed.
boating sober and getting an annual Vessel Safety Check
are important points that will make you a safer boater
A VSC can be a valuable learning experience for the and a more confident skipper.
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