• Even if you pay careful attention to safety, dangerous mechanical problems can crop up on the best-maintained boat. That's why the U.S. Coast Guard recommends that all recreational boaters (including personal watercraft users) take advantage of the free Vessel Safety Check (VSC) program every year.
  VSCs are offered by experienced members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. A VSC is your best way of learning about problems that might put you in violation of state or federal laws or, worse, create danger for you or your passengers on the water.

Online Vessel Safety Check

Vessel Safety Check is a courtesy examination of your boat (Vessel) to verify the presence and condition of certain Safety Equipment required by State and the Federal regulations. The Vessel Examiner is a trained specialist and is a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. They will also make certain recommendations and discuss certain safety issues that will make you a safer boater. The items checked by the examiner include:
- Proper Display of State Registration Numbers
- State Registration Information on the boat
- Personal Flotation Devices (life jackets) on the boat
- Visual Distress Signals (flares)
- Ventilation of enclosed areas where the engine is located
- Backfire Flame Control (if required)
- Fire Extinguishers
- Sound Producing Devices
- Navigation Lights
- Pollution or Trash Placards (if required)
- Marine Sanitation Devices (if required)
- Navigation Rules
- Specific NYS requirements, including Anchor and sufficient Anchor Line.
- Overall Vessel Condition

Schedule your Vessel Safety Check Today!

This is not boarding or a law enforcement issue. No citations will be given as a result of this encounter. We will supply you with a copy of our evaluation so that you may follow some of the suggestions given. Vessels that pass will be able to display our distinctive VSC decal. This does not exempt you from law enforcement boarding, but you can be prepared to make this a positive encounter.

To get more information about how joining the Coast Guard Auxilliary or schedule a Free Vessel Safety Check contact the FSO_VE, Frank by clicking the link above.

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