With Memorial Day now behind us, the summer boating season is “officially” under way. Now is the time to get a Vessel Safety Check (VSC)!

A VSC is a complementary safety inspection of a recreational boat conducted by a trained and certified U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadron Vessel Examiner. A VSC helps to ensure your vessel meets current Federal safety standards. Items reviewed during the VSC include number, type, and condition of life jackets and fire extinguishers, emergency distress signals, navigation lights, ventilation, and registration and numbering. While not mandatory, a marine VHF-FM radio, dewatering device(s), anchor and a first aid kit are also recommended.

Boats passing safety checks are awarded a VSC decal that indicates your boat was in full compliance with all federal and state boating safety regulations at the time of inspection. A successful VSC may also qualify you for a discount from your boat insurance company. If your vessel does not meet the requirements, your Vessel Examiner will provide you with information on what corrective action needs to be taken to bring your boat into compliance to receive your VSC decal. No citations are issued for safety violations discovered during a VSC.