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Click Here to Request a Vessel Safety Check

A "Vessel Safety Check" is a free, voluntary exam offered to owners or operators of recreational boats and certain federal, state and local government-owned boats. This exam promotes boating safety by educating the boater, face to face on what equipment is to be carried on board and other matters affecting safety. The Vessel Safety Check can be performed in or out of the water.  On various weekends we will be at different lakes and marinas to perform these exams.  When you see us - Just ask us!  You may also check our calendar of events. 

Below is a list of the requirements:

Vessel Safety Check Decal Requirements                                     While encouraged, items below are not VSC requirements
1. Display of Numbers                                                                        I. Marine Radio
2. Registration / Documentation                                                        II. Dewatering Device & Backup
3. Personal Flotation Devices (PFD)                                                III Mounted Fire Extinguishers
4. Visual Distress Signals (VDS)                                                      IV. Anchor & Line for Area
5. Fire Extinguishers                                                                          V. First Aid/Person in Water Kits
6. Ventilation                                                                                       VI. Inland Visual Distress Signals
7. Backfire Flame Control                                                                  VII. Capacity / Cert. of Compliance
8. Sound Producing Devices / Bell                                                   VIII. Discussion Items: as applies
9. Navigation Lights                                                                             
10. Pollution Placard                                                                           A: Accident  Reporting / Owner Responsibility
11. MARPOL Trash Placard / 26ft & over                                         B. Offshore Operations
12. Marine Sanitation Devices                                                           C. Nautical Charts / Navigation Aids
13. Navigation Rules                                                                            D. Survival Tips / First Aid
14. State and / or local Requirements                                                E. Fueling / Fuel Management
15. Overall Vessel Condition: as applies                                           F. Float Plan/ Weather & Sea Conditions
                                                                                                                G. Insurance Considerations
A. Deck free of hazards / clean bilge                                                  H. Boating Check List
B. Safe Electrical / Fuel Systems                                                        I. Safe Boating Classes
C. Safe Galley / Heating Systems

If you join our organization you can become a Vessel Examiner by taking a class and pass an open book test with the score of 90%.  Upon completions of this exam you will need to examine 5 vessels with a qualified examiner. After you have successfully completed this task you will receive a certificate and will be eligible to perform "Vessel Safety Checks."

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