FLOTILLA 09 ~ DIVISION 14 ~ DISTRICT 07
PALATKA, FLORIDA
Vessel Safety Check
Were you aware that you can receive a FREE Vessel Safety Check (VSC) of your powerboat, sailboat, personal water craft (PWC), canoe, or kayak without risk or obligation? This valuable service is provided by specially trained members of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. Throughout the United States, there are qualified Vessel Examiners ready to help ensure your boat is in tip-top safety condition.
A VSC is a FREE, voluntary check of your vessel and its safety equipment. Auxiliarists help educate the boater through a direct, face-to-face exchange of boating safety information with the owner/operator, and provide instruction on equipment to be carried on board and other matters affecting safety. Federal and local regulations and Auxiliary VSC requirements are explained as well as other matters of interest. The VSC is performed only with the specific consent of the owner/operator, who must be present at the time of the examination.
A VSC is performed mainly on pleasure vessels less than 65 feet in length, and on certain commercial vessels which are not inspected or certified by the Coast Guard. Auxiliary VSC requirements parallel Federal regulations with regard to equipment to be carried aboard and general condition of the boat.
One of the most
commonly asked questions is, "What if my boat flunks?" No problem, just schedule
a second examination. The VSC is
not a law enforcement action. No one
gets a copy of your failure to pass. Where to get another examination
isn't a dilemma either. Usually, an Auxiliary
Vessel Examiner (VE) will meet you at your
boat, back at the ramp, marina, or even your house.
What's the
incentive for you to have a VSC performed on your boat? Well, in addition
to the
obvious feeling of satisfaction in knowing your boat is safe and prepared, the
boat displaying the Coast Guard Auxiliary "Seal of Safety" on its port
(left)
windshield signals to the boating world that a responsible skipper cares about
having a safe boat. While no guarantee, often the Florida Marine Patrol, local
Sheriff, and Coast Guard personnel will pass up a boat with a
current VSC decal when conducting routine boardings. And, your passengers will know that your
boat meets Federal and State safety equipment requirements.
Compare and Save
Vessel Safety Check by COAST GUARD AUXILIARY
vs.
Inspection by Coast Guard, Marine Patrol and Sheriff
| Violation Average Fine Imposed |
| (Select Few) | Coast Guard | Marine Patrol | Sheriff | USCG Auxiliary |
| PFDs (Each) | $150.00 | $35.00 | $35.00+ | $0.00 |
| Fire Extinguisher | $150.00 | $35.00 | $35.00+ | $0.00 |
| Visual Distress Signals | $100.00 | $35.00 | $35.00+ | $0.00 |
| Numbering | $ 50.00 | $35.00 | $35.00+ | $0.00 |
| Horn/Whistle | $ 50.00 | $35.00 | $35.00+ | $0.00 |
| Bell (Boats >39') | $ 50.00 | $35.00 | $35.00+ | $0.00 |
| Navigation Lights | $100.00 | $35.00 | $35.00+ | $0.00 |
So, how do you get a VSC? You just have to ask. In most cases, the
volunteer examiner will meet you at your boat.
Click Here For Free
Vessel Safety Check
Request a free Vessel Safety Check
See a list of the requirements for your vessel to receive a Vessel Safety Check decal.
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This page was modified 08/09/07
