A preseason ritual for many North American recreational boaters, Vessel Safety Checks have become part of the spring commissioning process.
A vessel safety check involves examining a boat’s equipment to ensure it meets the safety requirements and standards of relevant maritime authorities. These checks are conducted by qualified inspectors or members of organizations dedicated to boating safety, such as the United States Power Squadrons, America’s Boating Club and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Vessel exams from these agencies have been available at no cost for many years.
Jeff McKinney, manager of the USPS VSC program, explained a vessel check, how it is conducted and what happens if you fail to pass. Vessel examiners are experienced boaters with specialized training in vessel exam requirements and procedures. They are required to pass a strict test and complete a series of exams under the supervision of a certified examiner before performing safety checks on their own.
During a vessel exam, examiners look for the required items the U.S. Coast Guard mandates on all recreational boats, from stand-up paddleboards to 65-foot yachts. If it floats, it can be checked. You can do a virtual VSC beforehand, which includes 15 required items plus a list of optional items.
A vessel exam typically takes 40-60 minutes to complete. It allows you to revisit where your safety equipment is stored, what you have and whether anything needs replacing, like an outdated set of flares. You also can ask the volunteer vessel examiner about related items not on the list.
When you request a VSC, include the boat’s location and the system will notify examiners within a 20-mile radius. An examiner will contact you for scheduling.
Suppose your boat has everything needed to meet requirements. In that case, the vessel examiner will fasten a decal on your boat, denoting that your boat was equipped adequately during the Vessel Safety Check.
If your boat doesn’t pass, it won’t receive a decal. However, you’ll be informed of what needs to be corrected to keep your boat and passengers safe. There’s no penalty or fine for not passing an exam. Once you’ve updated the safety deficiencies, you can request another exam. It is important to note that the Coast Guard can board your boat to conduct a Vessel Safety Check any time, even if it has a current decal. The Coast Guard often does this to train new personnel. You could receive a citation or fine if your boat is boarded and deficiencies are found.
