A Vessel Safety Check is a courtesy examination of your boat (Vessel) to
verify the presence and condition of specific Safety Equipment required by
State and Federal regulations.
The Vessel Examiners who perform these checks are trained specialists and
Squadron members who know the latest legal requirements for boaters. Vessel
Examiners have no legal authority—their goal is to prevent boaters from
getting equipment-related citations and to reduce safety-related accidents.
These boating safety equipment checks are meant to be educational and helpful,
and are a good follow-up to any water safety course.
The Vessel Examiners will check to see if all required items are onboard
your boat. If everything is present and in good working order, they will award
a decal to affix to your boat. If you wish, they will also explain the reason
for the various safety equipment requirements and explain how boat safety
equipment works.
This is not boarding or a law enforcement issue. No citations will be given
as a result of the safety check. We will supply you with a copy of our evaluation
so that you may follow some of the suggestions given. Vessels that pass will
be able to display distinctive United States Power Squadron Vessel Safety
Check decal. This does not exempt you from law enforcement boarding, but you
can be prepared to make this a positive encounter by being prepared in advance.
You can learn more about this free service from the national
website.
TO SCHEDULE A VSC
click here
For more information,
contact
Steph Quick, P (CI, VE)
at ssq@swq.com
or
843-494-9949.
