A Vessel Safety Check (VSC) is a free, non-law-enforcement check of your vessel's safety equipment.  Upon successful completion of the check, you will be awarded the VSC Decal.

A trained Auxiliarist will examine your boat, in the water or on land for:

• Appropriate registration/documentation paperwork
• Registration number/Documentation number properly displayed
• Appropriate number and types of Personal Flotation Devices for your size boat
• Visual Distress Signals
• Fire Extinguishers for your size boat
• Ventilation (if required)
• Backfire Flame Control (if required)
• Sound Producing Device/Bell  See Note 1 Below
• Navigation lights
• Oil Pollution Placard (if required)
• MARPOL Trash Placard (if required)
• Marine Sanitation Devices (if required/installed)
• Navigation Rules (if vessel 39.4 feet or longer)
• State and/or Local Requirements
• Overall Vessel Condition: as applies
  • Deck free of Hazards / Clean Bilge
  • Electrical - Fuel Systems
  • Galley - Heating Systems

Note 1:  A bell was formerly required at 12 meters (39.4 ft), now it is required at 20 meters (65 ft).

Other items covered will include subjects of Marine Radios, Backup Dewatering, Mounting Fire Extinguishers, Adequate Anchor and line for area, First Aid Kits, Inland Visual Distress Signals, Capacity/Compliance plates, Accident Reporting, Offshore Operating, Nautical Charts and Navigation Aids, Survival Tips/First Aid, Fueling and Fuel Management, Float Plan/Weather and Sea Conditions, Insurance Considerations, Boating Check List, Safe Boating Classes, Marine Domain Awareness, and America's Waterway Watch.

Contact:  Flotilla Staff Officer for Vessel Examinations