Free Vessel Safety Checks

Mar 1, 2011

By Staff writer State Farm™ Employee

The U.S. Coast Guard Vessel Safety Check Program, which is currently sponsored by State Farm through 2011, is administered by volunteers from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Power Squadrons.

The Vessel Safety Check (VSC) is a boat safety evaluation for America's recreational boaters. It’s free, it’s fast (the check takes only 30 minutes to complete), and it’s a great way to check your compliance with state and federal boating laws.

Here's how it works: A vessel examiner meets you at your boat at your scheduled time or during a VSC event at a marina or boat ramp. The examiner will then check your boat for over 15 items required by state and federal regulations, including:

  • Proper display of registration number
  • Registration/documentation papers
  • Personal flotation devices
  • Visual and aural distress signals
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Proper ventilation
  • Backfire flame control
  • Navigation lights

No penalties are assessed based on the VSC, but the examiner will make recommendations and discuss safety issues. If your boat successfully meets all the requirements, a Safety Seal decal will be presented for you to display on your boat.

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Tags safety, summer, U.S._Coast_Guard

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