Did you know that you can get a free Vessel Safety Check (VSC) for your boat? It's available from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or United States Power Squadrons. This bow-to-stern check is an easy and painless way to learn about potential problems that might put you in violation of state or federal laws, or create danger for you and your crew while sailing. There are no citations for violations and there are no penalties for not successfully completing a Vessel Safety Check. At the end of the check you are provided with a copy of the safety check form, allowing you to make the recommended safety improvements at your own discretion. And while the VSC decal won't necessarily preclude boardings by law enforcement authorities, it can give you confidence that such encounters are as positive as possible. In addition, a number of major insurance providers now offer discounts for boats that successfully pass a Vessel Safety Check! Has your boat had a VSC? If so, what is your view of the experience? Was it worth it? Was there a down side? Was this a positive or negative experience for you? Do you have a VSC annually? Tell us about your experience with Vessel Safety Checks and then take the Quick Quiz on the homepage. (Discussion topic and quiz by Warren Milberg)
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VSC
I try to get one every year. One year they were doing them at a local sporting good store. We were the only sailboat there and all the ones doing the check wanted to do our boat and we had three of them doing it. A couple of times they stood in the cockpit and asked if we had the items and just checked everything off. Some at our marina made some smart remarks about inviting them onboard to do the check. All in all it has always been a good experience and we have never been stopped or asked to be boarded. Rob Morton S/V Euphoria
I try to get one every year. One year they were doing them at a local sporting good store. We were the only sailboat there and all the ones doing the check wanted to do our boat and we had three of them doing it. A couple of times they stood in the cockpit and asked if we had the items and just checked everything off. Some at our marina made some smart remarks about inviting them onboard to do the check. All in all it has always been a good experience and we have never been stopped or asked to be boarded. Rob Morton S/V Euphoria
Gives a feeling of confidence.
We try to get a VSC every year up here on Lake Ontario. They are conducted by the local Coast Guard personnel, and are very thorough. You must show them the required items when asked. Dates on all flares are checked as well. Once completed and everything is found to be in order, you get your copy of the inspection report, a numbered inspection decal for portlight display, a free Fox40 safety whistle, an RCMP "decal" showing points of rights of way, a decal listing pre-departure requirements, and a decal showing proper use of VHF radio in emergencies (including a blank space for your station licence number). You feel comfortable knowing that your vessel now is verified to be safe and complies with the laws of the sea.
We try to get a VSC every year up here on Lake Ontario. They are conducted by the local Coast Guard personnel, and are very thorough. You must show them the required items when asked. Dates on all flares are checked as well. Once completed and everything is found to be in order, you get your copy of the inspection report, a numbered inspection decal for portlight display, a free Fox40 safety whistle, an RCMP "decal" showing points of rights of way, a decal listing pre-departure requirements, and a decal showing proper use of VHF radio in emergencies (including a blank space for your station licence number). You feel comfortable knowing that your vessel now is verified to be safe and complies with the laws of the sea.
Well worth the 15 mins.
I have it done at least once a year. In Slidell, La. the CG Aux. would walk the docks on a weekend ans ask if anyone was interested. They were courteous, well mannered and very professional. They checked just about everything. I would recommend it to everyone. Just remember, they are not checking for anything that the CG wouldnt check for if you are stopped on the water. It is reassuring to know that when you pass inspection, everything is up to date. Was it worth it? Was there a down side? Was this a positive or negative experience for you? Do you have a VSC annually?
I have it done at least once a year. In Slidell, La. the CG Aux. would walk the docks on a weekend ans ask if anyone was interested. They were courteous, well mannered and very professional. They checked just about everything. I would recommend it to everyone. Just remember, they are not checking for anything that the CG wouldnt check for if you are stopped on the water. It is reassuring to know that when you pass inspection, everything is up to date. Was it worth it? Was there a down side? Was this a positive or negative experience for you? Do you have a VSC annually?
Every other year for me
While I don't do it every year, I enjoy having a friendly CG auxilliary come and do a safety check. It's a great way to be sure your boat is safe for all your friends and relatives! Bill on STARGAZER
While I don't do it every year, I enjoy having a friendly CG auxilliary come and do a safety check. It's a great way to be sure your boat is safe for all your friends and relatives! Bill on STARGAZER
To me..
the only question about the USCG Aux Vessel Safety Check is "why not get one?" My only answer is that they don't come around to my marina often enough -- or when I'm aboard. I guess I could try to whistle a VSC up,but it just never occurs to me to do so.... I hope they are reading this thread.
the only question about the USCG Aux Vessel Safety Check is "why not get one?" My only answer is that they don't come around to my marina often enough -- or when I'm aboard. I guess I could try to whistle a VSC up,but it just never occurs to me to do so.... I hope they are reading this thread.
It's a great service
Our neighbors are Coast Guard Auxiliary, and they do checks on the weekends, so I will ask them to check our boat too. Regular Coast Guard boarded our boat two years ago, and they were very courteous, but very thorough. It gives me a feeling of confidence that "all systems are A-OK".
Our neighbors are Coast Guard Auxiliary, and they do checks on the weekends, so I will ask them to check our boat too. Regular Coast Guard boarded our boat two years ago, and they were very courteous, but very thorough. It gives me a feeling of confidence that "all systems are A-OK".
I Do About 100 Every Year
It is not difficult to pass. If you ask the guys who stop and board boats they will tell you that if they are going to check a boat and see VSC a sticker on your boat and there is one next to you that does not have one. Chances are they will pick the other boat as your boat had all the required equipment when the sticker was issued. The link below will take you to just about everything you want to know about a VSC. http://www.safetyseal.net/
It is not difficult to pass. If you ask the guys who stop and board boats they will tell you that if they are going to check a boat and see VSC a sticker on your boat and there is one next to you that does not have one. Chances are they will pick the other boat as your boat had all the required equipment when the sticker was issued. The link below will take you to just about everything you want to know about a VSC. http://www.safetyseal.net/
VSC
If you go to www.safetyseal.net there is a link which says "I want a VSC, click on it and it will put you in touch with a USCG Aux Vessel Examiner. I have been doing them for years, and when Dept of Fish and Game or TVA Police see one on a vessel, they usually pass them by for easire pickings... usually a 20' power boat full of drunk 20 something kids. Get a VSC, what the VE finds could save your life. Semper Paratus
If you go to www.safetyseal.net there is a link which says "I want a VSC, click on it and it will put you in touch with a USCG Aux Vessel Examiner. I have been doing them for years, and when Dept of Fish and Game or TVA Police see one on a vessel, they usually pass them by for easire pickings... usually a 20' power boat full of drunk 20 something kids. Get a VSC, what the VE finds could save your life. Semper Paratus
What's checked in a VSC
I have done VSC's for the USPS for the past two seasons & have yet to find a boatowner gripe for not passing. Often, it's an easy fix, but occasionally you run across a bad problem. In most cases it's the flares being too old or a dead navigation light bulb. One inspection identified a decrepit battery tray that was on the verge of dropping the battery upside-down into the bilge. *yks One perk: There are some insurance carriers that will give you a discount on your premium if you have a current VSC. Check with your carrier for details.
I have done VSC's for the USPS for the past two seasons & have yet to find a boatowner gripe for not passing. Often, it's an easy fix, but occasionally you run across a bad problem. In most cases it's the flares being too old or a dead navigation light bulb. One inspection identified a decrepit battery tray that was on the verge of dropping the battery upside-down into the bilge. *yks One perk: There are some insurance carriers that will give you a discount on your premium if you have a current VSC. Check with your carrier for details.
I've been waved thru at CG inspections set
up at the harbor mouth (road block ?, Channel blockade ?) by virtue of a current sticker just as described by Rick, David and Jeff. Starting this month inspections are required of all new boats by our marina operator, San Diego requires one less than 6 mos. old for a mooring permit. It'll be required in most places here soon I believe because of the "Clean Harbors Program". There is zero tolerance here for anything into the water in a harbor. I couldn't help but cringe when a neighbor in the transient docks at a nearby harbor threw half a cup of coffee overboard last week. These inspections help make sure vessels are properly placarded, owners at least aware of regulations and maybe even spot some that maybe at risk.
up at the harbor mouth (road block ?, Channel blockade ?) by virtue of a current sticker just as described by Rick, David and Jeff. Starting this month inspections are required of all new boats by our marina operator, San Diego requires one less than 6 mos. old for a mooring permit. It'll be required in most places here soon I believe because of the "Clean Harbors Program". There is zero tolerance here for anything into the water in a harbor. I couldn't help but cringe when a neighbor in the transient docks at a nearby harbor threw half a cup of coffee overboard last week. These inspections help make sure vessels are properly placarded, owners at least aware of regulations and maybe even spot some that maybe at risk.
I consider a VSC mandatory
For me, an annual Vessel Safety Check is a vital part of my pre-season preparations for getting on the water. The members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary here in my town are friendly and good-natured -- but professionally thorough. During the inspection, we often trade boating yarns, and the whole experience is very enjoyable, as well as educational. I like to know(before it's too late)if some of my safety equipment has deteriorated to an unsafe condition since last season, so I can replace it. As they say on tv: the price of a piece of hardware...? a few bucks; a family member's life and limb...? priceless!
For me, an annual Vessel Safety Check is a vital part of my pre-season preparations for getting on the water. The members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary here in my town are friendly and good-natured -- but professionally thorough. During the inspection, we often trade boating yarns, and the whole experience is very enjoyable, as well as educational. I like to know(before it's too late)if some of my safety equipment has deteriorated to an unsafe condition since last season, so I can replace it. As they say on tv: the price of a piece of hardware...? a few bucks; a family member's life and limb...? priceless!
I have a VSC most every year, but......
I've been promoting SVC for a number of years but at times I see some problems with the procedure.. The Power Squardron and Coast Guard Auxillary inspectors NEED good training and to have the rules and regulations well explained. I've had inspectors tell me my plaques were not in the right place, that my overboard waste thru-hull needed to be locked because I was in inland waters. We are not in inland waters and the thru-hull needs to be closed, not locked. I've had another inspector tell me I had to have up to date charts of the area, again not true. Last year there was a push in this area to have all the state numbers properly spaced. I doubt if one boat in fifty have their numbers placed correctly and so a number of people did not get their sticker. My biggest problem however, was one instpector who said I need a bell and it need to be "fixed" near the helm. My boat is 37 feet and I am not required to have a bell but do carry one anyway but not fixed. It is these types of inspectors that will hurt the program. I think the real question for this program is how to get those that have no inkling as to VSCs and really have no idea of the concept of safety on a boat. They haven't taken a class and don't even know the rules of the road. So how do we educate these skippers?
I've been promoting SVC for a number of years but at times I see some problems with the procedure.. The Power Squardron and Coast Guard Auxillary inspectors NEED good training and to have the rules and regulations well explained. I've had inspectors tell me my plaques were not in the right place, that my overboard waste thru-hull needed to be locked because I was in inland waters. We are not in inland waters and the thru-hull needs to be closed, not locked. I've had another inspector tell me I had to have up to date charts of the area, again not true. Last year there was a push in this area to have all the state numbers properly spaced. I doubt if one boat in fifty have their numbers placed correctly and so a number of people did not get their sticker. My biggest problem however, was one instpector who said I need a bell and it need to be "fixed" near the helm. My boat is 37 feet and I am not required to have a bell but do carry one anyway but not fixed. It is these types of inspectors that will hurt the program. I think the real question for this program is how to get those that have no inkling as to VSCs and really have no idea of the concept of safety on a boat. They haven't taken a class and don't even know the rules of the road. So how do we educate these skippers?
Prevents Boarding in VA
Every game warden, Marine Resources Commission inspector, and every other law-enforcement officer of the Commonwealth and its subdivisions shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter and shall have authority to stop, board and inspect any vessel subject to this chapter after having identified himself in his official capacity. Except for enforcement of § 29.1-738 and the requirement of having the registration certificate on board, the provisions of this section shall not apply to any vessel of twenty-six feet or more in length on which is displayed a current valid United States Coast Guard or United States Coast Guard Auxiliary inspection decal. If you violate a law they can board you, but no "Safty Inspections"!
Every game warden, Marine Resources Commission inspector, and every other law-enforcement officer of the Commonwealth and its subdivisions shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter and shall have authority to stop, board and inspect any vessel subject to this chapter after having identified himself in his official capacity. Except for enforcement of § 29.1-738 and the requirement of having the registration certificate on board, the provisions of this section shall not apply to any vessel of twenty-six feet or more in length on which is displayed a current valid United States Coast Guard or United States Coast Guard Auxiliary inspection decal. If you violate a law they can board you, but no "Safty Inspections"!
Training IS required....but!
All Vessel Examiners in the USCGAUX are required to have some training and must pass an open-book exam (75 questions) before being designated as a VE. In addition, they must do at least 5 "training" exams with a currently qualified VE before being turned loose on their own. I have been an USCGAUX VE for 16 years and amember of our District VE Staff for 10 years. As a member of the staff I have had a part in training many of the new VEs. One problem with the program (and perhaps I really shouldn't say this?) is that for a few years the AUX encouraged almost EVERY new member to become trained as a VE in order to reach more of the public with our exams. This was a noble idea, but many of those new members had no real boating experience, just "book-learning", and thus really were not an asset to the program. I am often asked questions while doing a VSC that only an experienced boatowner with the training of the VE program can answer, also some of the items on the checklist require a more than basic knowledge to check. How many boatowners really know how to examine a kapok PFD, or even an inflatable? If you have experience with these, you know how to check them! As a sailer with only outboard experience it took me a while to be able to confidently examine a typical inboard gas engine on a powerboat, I was lucky to have a fellow VE with a powerboat who showed me his engine and walked me through the parts. OK, in closing I want to respond to those 20% who answered that they could do the check themselves on their boat instead of getting a VE to check the boat. True, you could check your own boat, in fact you SHOULD go through the basic checklist often on your boat, but I firmly believe (and not just because I'm a VE!) that it is well worth having your boat checked by a VE since no matter how careful we are, there is too great a chance of missing something when it is your boat. There is a valid reason why even as a qualified VE,I can NOT give my own boat a VSC Decal. Even a VE can miss something on their own boat, and I've had to have my boat rechecked more than once due to a burned out bulb or expired flares, once the air-horn didn't work! OOPS!
All Vessel Examiners in the USCGAUX are required to have some training and must pass an open-book exam (75 questions) before being designated as a VE. In addition, they must do at least 5 "training" exams with a currently qualified VE before being turned loose on their own. I have been an USCGAUX VE for 16 years and amember of our District VE Staff for 10 years. As a member of the staff I have had a part in training many of the new VEs. One problem with the program (and perhaps I really shouldn't say this?) is that for a few years the AUX encouraged almost EVERY new member to become trained as a VE in order to reach more of the public with our exams. This was a noble idea, but many of those new members had no real boating experience, just "book-learning", and thus really were not an asset to the program. I am often asked questions while doing a VSC that only an experienced boatowner with the training of the VE program can answer, also some of the items on the checklist require a more than basic knowledge to check. How many boatowners really know how to examine a kapok PFD, or even an inflatable? If you have experience with these, you know how to check them! As a sailer with only outboard experience it took me a while to be able to confidently examine a typical inboard gas engine on a powerboat, I was lucky to have a fellow VE with a powerboat who showed me his engine and walked me through the parts. OK, in closing I want to respond to those 20% who answered that they could do the check themselves on their boat instead of getting a VE to check the boat. True, you could check your own boat, in fact you SHOULD go through the basic checklist often on your boat, but I firmly believe (and not just because I'm a VE!) that it is well worth having your boat checked by a VE since no matter how careful we are, there is too great a chance of missing something when it is your boat. There is a valid reason why even as a qualified VE,I can NOT give my own boat a VSC Decal. Even a VE can miss something on their own boat, and I've had to have my boat rechecked more than once due to a burned out bulb or expired flares, once the air-horn didn't work! OOPS!
It's good to have someone else...
review your safety and regulatory equipment. They do have training and follow a good checklist. Some times because of inexperience they may make an off observation but cut them some slack; we mostly know our boats but usually fail to prepare and less follow a checklist and if they find just one item that may need correction their intervention is worth it. In addition when you get the sticker it reduces the incidence of being pulled over on the water. My only complaint with the program is that in our area they usually hold the inspections at a popular boat ramp which is inconvenient to pull a sailboat up to it.
review your safety and regulatory equipment. They do have training and follow a good checklist. Some times because of inexperience they may make an off observation but cut them some slack; we mostly know our boats but usually fail to prepare and less follow a checklist and if they find just one item that may need correction their intervention is worth it. In addition when you get the sticker it reduces the incidence of being pulled over on the water. My only complaint with the program is that in our area they usually hold the inspections at a popular boat ramp which is inconvenient to pull a sailboat up to it.
mandatory safety costs?
i have found most governments local and otherwise, offer free services which become mandatory, then costs escalate. it's amazing to me that the coast guard has little time for helping boats in distress, but would offer services that sailers should learn to complete on their own. perhaps a booklet w/registration would remind us of each step towards safe boating. reminds me of darwin awards. casey
i have found most governments local and otherwise, offer free services which become mandatory, then costs escalate. it's amazing to me that the coast guard has little time for helping boats in distress, but would offer services that sailers should learn to complete on their own. perhaps a booklet w/registration would remind us of each step towards safe boating. reminds me of darwin awards. casey
For Casey
For the most part, I think it is the trained volunteers of the USCG Auxiliary who make the Vessel Safety Checks. I don't believe that this program takes any resources away from the USCG rescue and related safety programs. And, there are lots of materials/brochures available on this, and many other related boating safety issues at the link below, at the USCG main site, and other public service organizations, like the BoatUS Foundation. My sense of the matter is that the USCG is overloaded, and under funded, by having too many other missions (i.e., Homeland Security) that no one wants to pay for.
For the most part, I think it is the trained volunteers of the USCG Auxiliary who make the Vessel Safety Checks. I don't believe that this program takes any resources away from the USCG rescue and related safety programs. And, there are lots of materials/brochures available on this, and many other related boating safety issues at the link below, at the USCG main site, and other public service organizations, like the BoatUS Foundation. My sense of the matter is that the USCG is overloaded, and under funded, by having too many other missions (i.e., Homeland Security) that no one wants to pay for.
Dollars and Common Cents
If you call the Coast Guard for assistance they will perform a basic safety inspection on your vessel (unless it is underwater or on fire). Violations at that time will cost you about $2K each. Even "minor" ones like outdated flares or an inop horn. The Auxilary's FREE inspection is ,well, FREE. They come right to my boat at its slip in Emeryville. The Inspectors I have met have been helpful, friendly people. I have never had one mistaken about a rule, but I do have a copy of the coleregs on board. I can not imagine why any serious boater would not take advantage of this service, but have found some of the other responses interesting
Mark Wieber
If you call the Coast Guard for assistance they will perform a basic safety inspection on your vessel (unless it is underwater or on fire). Violations at that time will cost you about $2K each. Even "minor" ones like outdated flares or an inop horn. The Auxilary's FREE inspection is ,well, FREE. They come right to my boat at its slip in Emeryville. The Inspectors I have met have been helpful, friendly people. I have never had one mistaken about a rule, but I do have a copy of the coleregs on board. I can not imagine why any serious boater would not take advantage of this service, but have found some of the other responses interesting
Mark WieberJust got checked
Two nights ago the CG Aux. stopped my boat while we were out for a night sail (actually, we were motoring at the time) and did basically a very professional and courteous job of checking several items: fire extinguisher, registration, PFDs, as well as pointing out that my stern light was difficult to see from certain angles. I twice asked if I should put fenders over the side and was told not to. One of them had his hands full just keeping their vessel clear of my boat, fending it off when necessary. Several times he was just barely able to do so - if they had scraped up my topsides, I wonder at the liability. My only other complaint was their repeatedly shining a flashlight in my face - I don't think they would have cared for anyone's doing that to them. Overall, I am delighted to see their increased presence this year, as there have been numerous instances of unsafe boating (drunks, lights out, high speeds, close approaches and passes, etc.) recently, resulting in several accidents and two fatalities last year.
Two nights ago the CG Aux. stopped my boat while we were out for a night sail (actually, we were motoring at the time) and did basically a very professional and courteous job of checking several items: fire extinguisher, registration, PFDs, as well as pointing out that my stern light was difficult to see from certain angles. I twice asked if I should put fenders over the side and was told not to. One of them had his hands full just keeping their vessel clear of my boat, fending it off when necessary. Several times he was just barely able to do so - if they had scraped up my topsides, I wonder at the liability. My only other complaint was their repeatedly shining a flashlight in my face - I don't think they would have cared for anyone's doing that to them. Overall, I am delighted to see their increased presence this year, as there have been numerous instances of unsafe boating (drunks, lights out, high speeds, close approaches and passes, etc.) recently, resulting in several accidents and two fatalities last year.
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