A Vessel Safety
Check (VSC) is a courtesy examination of your boat
(vessel) to verify the presence and
condition of certain
safety equipment required by state and federal
regulations. The Vessel Examiner (VE) is a trained
specialist and is a member of the member of the United
States Power Squadron (USPS). As part of the
inspection, the VE will make certain recommendations and
discuss other safety issues that will help to make you a
safer boater.
Vessel Safety Checks are a
courtesy examination of safety equipment and discussion
of safety procedures. They are not a law enforcement
issue. No citations or reports to law enforcement will
be given as a result of this encounter. The Vessel
Examiner will supply you with a copy their evaluation so
that you may follow-up the suggestions given. Passing
vessels will be able to display our distinctive VSC
decal. This does not exempt the boater from law
enforcement boarding, but one can be prepared to make
this a positive encounter.
The USPS and
Coast Guard Auxiliary maintain
a
joint website
(clickable
link--www.safetyseal.net) with extensive
information on VSC’s. This site contains information on
required items
( clickable link
to
www.safetyseal.net/what_is_VSC.asp)
recommended for vessel safety. It contains a list of
the
most commonly found deficiencies
(clickable link to
www.safetyseal.net/vsc_stats.asp)
when performing VSC’s. We recommend you visit this site
to prepare you boat. Whether or not you participate in
an official inspection, you can improve your boat’s,
your crew’s and your own safety by including the covered
items on this checklist.
Remember, the safety of your passengers and yourself are
our primary concern. We do not make any reports to any
law enforcement agency regarding your VSC. If your
vessel is deficient, you will have a list of those
deficiencies so they can be corrected and we will
reexamine at that time. If your vessel passes, you will
be issued a sticker that identifies your vessel as
having met the minimum legal requirements.
The Austin Power Squadron looks forward to examining
your vessel and safe boating with you on the Highland
Lakes.
For your free VSC, contact
vsc@austinpowersquadron.org.
For a 10%
discount from West Marine click here-
www.usps.org/national/vsc/images/West_Marine_Coupon10.pdf
