A Vessel Safety Check (VSC) is a FREE COURTESY Examination

focused on improving the overall safety of the boat and its passengers

conducted by a trained Vessel Examiner (VE)

A VSC is NOT tied to LAW ENFORCEMENT

A VSC will NEVER CAUSE A CITATION to be issued

A VSC provides an opportunity to GET BOATING RELATED QUESTIONS ANSWERED

A VSC is a great way to learn about existence of violations or potential problems that might create dangerous situations for you or your passengers in a user friendly environment and it can help you become more aware of safety related procedures in how the vessel is maintained and operated.  A VSC covers more then determining compliance with minimum State and Federal requirements related to safety equipment and systems.  In many instances, a vessel must be equipped with additional items that are deemed necessary for safe on-the-water operation to be awarded the distinctive VSC decal.  The VE will provide a copy of the examination form as a written record of identified safety related issues, recommendations, and suggestions.  

The U.S. Coast Guard recommends and it is a good practice to get a free Vessel Safety Check (VSC) for all kinds and sizes of watercraft including PWC's every year to help minimize the probability of a safety related problem unintentionally going unnoticed.  Unexpected and often potentially dangerous mechanical problems have a way of occurring at an inconvenient time even on the best-maintained vessels.  A VSC can help you identify potential problems and be better prepared to deal with unfortunate situations when they do occur.  

A VE is an experienced, knowledgeable, trained, and certified specialists who is also a fellow boater from the US Power Squadron or US Coast Guard Auxiliary.  The VE can answer safety or boating related questions and they will provide you helpful recommendations for improving the  safety of your vessel and passengers.   

Vessels that pass the VSC examination will be awarded a decal that the VE will affix to the vessel.  In accepting and displaying the VSC decal, the owner/operator pledges to maintain their boat and its equipment to the safety standards required to pass the examination.  Thus, the owner/operator of the watercraft must be present during the examination, since the award is not made simply to the vessel.  For this reason as well as many others, the owner should remove the decal from the vessel if it is sold to another party.  Conversely, if a boat purchased has a VSC decal still attached, a reexamination should be arranged shortly after taking possession.  If the watercraft does not pass the initial examination, the VE will be happy to re-examine a vessel after identified issues are corrected and award a VSC decal if the vessel meets all VSC requirements.

Displaying a current VSC decal (as shown above) can help make future law enforcement boarding less stressful, of shorter duration, and a more pleasant experience for everyone involved.  

US Coast Guard Minimum Safety Requirements

Federal Requirements & Safety Tips

See What's Checked During A VSC

US Coast Guard Safety Recommendations

West Marine / BoatUS 10% VSC Discount

West Marine offers a 10% discount on safety equipment to VSC participants who present a coupon available from a VE from the current boating season.  This 10% discount is available whether the vessel passes or fails the inspection.  So, take advantage of this great opportunity to ensure you have appropriate safety equipment onboard!  After issues identified during the VSC are corrected, a VE will be happy to re-inspect the vessel and issue a VSC decal to vessels in compliance with State and Federal regulations. 

Examine Your Own Vessel Or Get A VSC From Flotilla 01-06

Top 15 Reasons Vessels Fail a VSC

Examine Your Own Vessel:

1. Download the Vessel Examiner Form

2. Open and print the Form

3. Get step-by-step instructions

4. Print instructions to guide you through process

Small Sport & Utility Boat Resources / Vessel Safety Check (VSC)

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