This year, why not be safe! Get a Free Vessel Safety Check by By Wayne Spivak, US Coast Guard Auxiliary, Freeport Flotilla 13-06 Even as our world has turned upside down by events of last fall, the new normality of our lives should deepen certain values. For boaters of all ages and all size vessels, safety of your family and friends, those who boat with you, should be all important. What better way to know that your vessel has all the appropriate safety gear than with a Vessel Safety Check (VSC). Whether you're a PWC user or a sailor, power boater or kayaker, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary provides free Vessel Safety Checks for all non-commercial boaters (there are also programs for uninspected passenger and commercial fishing vessels). From the official VSC web site (http://www.safetyseal.net): What is a Vessel Safety Check (VSC)? A Vessel Safety Check is a courtesy examination of your boat (Vessel) to verify the presence and condition of certain Safety Equipment required by State and the Federal regulations. The Vessel Examiner is a trained specialist and is a member or the US Power Squadrons or the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. They will also make certain recommendations and discuss certain safety issues that will make you a safer boater. This is not boarding or a law enforcement issue. No citations will be given as a result of this encounter. We will supply you with a copy of our evaluation so that you may follow some of the suggestions given. Vessels that pass will be able to display our distinctive VSC decal. This does not exempt you from law enforcement boarding, but you can be prepared to make this a positive encounter. Here are suggestions to speed you along to getting the coveted VSC decal. Have your registration (or documentation papers handy). Make sure your PFD (personal flotation devices) are in an accessible location and not in the original plastic bags! Make sure your visual distress devices (flares, orange smoke and other pyrotechnic devices) are not expired. Pyrotechnic devices have a three (3) year shelf life. Make sure your fire extinguisher's are a) fully charged, b) sufficient in numbers and types for your vessel and c) appropriately attached per the label (to be USCG Approved). Make sure your horn works, and if your boat requires it, you have a bell. Check your navigation lights. Many times the bulbs blow. 7. Boats 26 feet and over require a Pollution and MARPOL placard. Many times you can get them for free at area marinas and boat stores. 8. Vessels over 39.4 feet require a copy of the Rules of the Road (COLREG's). For more information or to find a VSC location nearest you, visit http://www.safetyseal.net. Got a question about boating safety? Post your question in one of our Boating Forums! Got a boating safety tip to share with others? Share it in one of our Boating Forums or submit an article about it and have it published right here on BOATOhio.com! Back to the top... Back to the Boating Safety Index...