The U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers free Vessel safety checks to boaters  who wish to be sure that their boats meet all federal and state safety  requirements. The Vessel Examiners who perform these checks are specially trained Auxiliarists who are kept informed on the latest legal  requirements for boaters.	Contact: Bob Brown To schedule your Free Vessel Safety Check
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 *Examinations are performed on standard power and sail boats, and Personal Watercraft (PWC)

Power and Sail Boat Safety Check Items

NUMBERING -- Proper spacing, contrasting color, minimum 3-inch block style lettering

REGISTRATION / DOCUMENTATION -- Papers must be on board the vessel when underway

NAVIGATION LIGHTS -- Must operate and show proper configuration

SOUND PRODUCING DEVICE -- Horn, whistle, or other device

BELL -- Boats 12m (39.4 feet) or longer

PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE (PFDs) -- One wearable for each passenger, minimum of two.  Boats 16 feet and over, also one type IV (throwable).

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS -- Mounted, minimum number for length and type of boat

VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS  - INLAND -- VDS, Flag, Signal Light, etc (for day or night)

VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS - INTERNATIONAL --  Minimum 3 day/night flares/aerial flares, etc., approved signals, not expired

VENTILATION -- For closed compartments with explosive vapor potential and ignition source.  Installed blower must work; warning posted.

BACKFIRE FLAME ARRESTOR -- Approved type, tight installation, clean

FUEL SYSTEM -- Tanks secure.  Over 7 gallons are permanent; must be grounded and vented.  Fuel hoses in good condition, no leaks

ANCHOR -- Suitable for the boat and area used

ALTERNATE PROPULSION --Boats under 16 feet, paddle, oar, etc

DEWATERING DEVICE -- Pumps must work if installed, extra manual bailing device (bucket, etc)

OVERALL VESSEL CONDITION -- Bilge and machinery space clean, well maintained.  Not overloaded or overpowered.  NO automotive parts.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS -- Batteries secure, terminals covered, well organized wiring, proper fuses / circuit breakers

GALLEY / HEATING SYSTEMS --Secure, proper tank installation, no flammable material nearby

STATE REQUIREMENTS -- Complies with any additional state safety requirements

MARINE SANITATION DEVICE -- Approved  device, overboard discharge sealed

MARPOL TRASH PLACARD -- For boats 26 feet and over; over 40 feet, written plan

POLLUTION PLACARD -- Boats 26 feet and over with machinery space

NAVIGATION RULES -- Boats 12 m (39.4 feet) and over, copy aboard

The following additional items are not a requirement for the decal but are required under Federal and State Laws.  The Vessel Examiner checks these items to assist the boater in determining if the vessel meets the requirement of these laws.

CAPACITY PLATE -- Visible, monohull power boats, under 20 feet

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE LABEL -- Monohull power boats under 20 feet, all boats with installed engines, except outboards, manufactured after 10/31/72

HULL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER -- All boats manufactured after 10/31/72

PERSONAL WATERCRAFT SAFETY CHECK ITEMS

NUMBERING -- Proper spacing, contrasting color, minimum 3 inches high

REGISTRATION DOCUMENTS -- Paper must be on board

SOUND PRODUCING DEVICE -- Whistle or horn, a means to attract attention

WEARABLE PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE (PFD)  -- Wearable PFD for each person,
minimum 50 MPH imnpact rating

FIRE EXTINGUISHER -- One USCG Approved B-1 extinguisher readily available

VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS (VDS)  --  A way to attract attention when in distress

• INLAND SIGNALS  -- Orange or red flag or other day VDS

• OFFSHORE SIGNALS -- CG Approved distress signals, not expired

BACKFIRE FLAME ARRESTOR --  Approved type, secure installation, clean

FUEL SYSTEM -- Tanks secure, hoses in good condition, no leaks

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM  --  Batteries secure, terminals clean and covered, well organized wiring

DEFAULT / OVERRIDE SYSTEM -- Engine kill or self-circling device not overridden

OVERALL VESSEL CONDITION -- Vessel clean, well maintained

STATE REGULATIONS -- Complies with any additional state regulations

• RULES OF THE ROAD -- Owner / Operator understands Rules of the Road for watercraft

• WAKE RESPONSIBILITY -- Owner / Operator understands responsibility for wake damage

• SAFE OPERATION -- Owner / Operator understands safe operation rules near swimming areas and other vessels

• OPERATOR INSTRUCTIONS -- Owner /Operator aware of not allowing others to use of watercraft without proper instructions of basic safety, Rules of the Road, and responsible operation

• ACCIDENT REPORTING -- Must know rules for reporting accidents or injuries to appropriate state agency