13th Coast Guard District Flotilla 45 Vessel Safety Checks

Vessel Safety Checks

Were you aware that you can receive a "FREE" Vessel Safety Check (VSC) of your boat (motor, sail, canoe or kayak) without risk or obligation? This valuable service is provided by specially trained members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Throughout the area, there are trained and qualified Vessel Examiners ready to help ensure your boat is in tip-top safety condition.

A VSC is a "FREE", voluntary check of your boat and its safety equipment. Auxiliarists help educate the boater through a direct, face-to-face boating safety information exchange with the owner or operator and provide instructions on equipment to be carried on board and other matters affecting safety. Federal and local regulations and Auxiliary VSC requirements are explained as well as other matters of interest. The VSC is performed only with the specific consent of the owner/operator, who is present at the time of the examination.

A VSC is performed mainly on pleasure vessels less than 65 feet in length and on certain commercial vessels which are not inspected or certified by the Coast Guard. Auxiliary VSC requirements parallel Federal regulations with regard to equipment to be carried aboard and general condition of the boat.

What's the incentive for you to have a VSC performed on your boat? Well, besides the obvious feeling of satisfaction in knowing your boat is safe and prepared, the boat displaying the Coast Guard Auxiliary "Seal of Safety " on its port windshield signals to the boating world that a responsible skipper cares about having a safe boat. While there is no guarantee, often the Marine Patrol, local marine sheriff and Coast Guard personnel will pass up a boat with a current VSC decal when conducting routine boarding's. Your passengers will know that your boat meets Federal and State safety equipment requirements.

Compare and Save
Vessel Safety Check by COAST GUARD AUXILIARY
vs.
Inspection by U.S. Coast Guard, Marine Patrol or Sheriff

Average Fine Imposed for EACH Violation

VIOLATION	Coast Guard	Marine Patrol	Sheriff	USCG Auxiliary
Personal Flotation Devices (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 over 20m or 66ft)	$50.00	$35.00	$35.00+	$0.00
Navigation Lights	$100.00	$35.00	$35.00+	$0.00

If you are interested in more information regarding free vessel safety checks or to arrange for one click here!

	13th Coast Guard District Auxiliary Flotilla 45 Bremerton, Washington