MAKE A VESSEL SAFETY CHECK ONE OF YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS - From America's Boating Compass
A vessel safety check is a great safe boating tool to take advantage of in the off-season. A free and voluntary inspection of your boat conducted by a certified member of America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons or the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, this procedure can help to identify whether your vessel meets both state and federal safety regulations.
What is a vessel safety check?
A vessel safety check is a crucial step that promotes boating safety. During a VSC, a qualified examiner looks for critical items such as life jackets, navigation lights, fire extinguishers, and other boater safety equipment.
As a boater, you can do a virtual VSC beforehand, which includes 15 required items plus a list of optional items. Some things may not apply to your boat. Additionally, there are some changes for 2025.
Specifically, some previously required items are now only recommended, such as making sure that the deck is free of hazards and that the bilge, electrical systems, fuel systems, and galley/heating systems are clean. (Having an engine cutoff switch, however, will remain a requirement.)
A vessel exam normally takes 40 to 60 minutes to complete and gives you a chance to revisit where your safety equipment is stored, what you have and whether anything needs replacing, like an outdated set of flares.
How can you request a VSC?
When you request a VSC online, include the boat’s location, and the system will notify examiners within a 20-mile radius. An examiner will contact you to schedule a vessel exam.
If your boat has everything needed to meet requirements, the vessel examiner will affix a decal on your boat to signal that your boat was properly equipped during the vessel safety check.
What happens if your boat doesn’t pass? If your boat doesn’t pass, it won’t receive a decal. However, you’ll know what items to correct to keep your boat and passengers safe. There’s no penalty or fine for not passing an exam.
Once you’ve corrected the safety deficiencies, you can request another exam.
Be forewarned: The Coast Guard can board your boat to conduct a Vessel Safety Check at any time, even if it has a current decal. The Coast Guard often does this to train new personnel. If your boat is boarded and deficiencies are found, you could receive a citation or fine.
Click below for the request form:
