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Vessel Safety Checks
A free service of the Coast Guard Auxiliary
The Coast Guard Auxiliary offers no obligation free safety checks on vessels of
all types. If your vessel possesses all required safety items and they are in good
condition, then a U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Vessel Safety Check (VSC) decal will
be affixed to your boat. This decal represents many things to many people:
- You, the boat owner, will have peace of mind and satisfaction knowing that your boat meets safety standards.
- Your passengers will be confident in you, knowing your boat passed all the safety checks.
- Other boaters will respect you for caring about safe boating.
- Coast Guard and Marine Police will recognize your vessel has met national safety standards.
- Your insurance company may offer discounts to boaters and boats with a current
"Vessel Safety Check" decal.
- Commercial discounts are available from marine suppliers for safety items.
As you have probably guessed, this is all about boating safety. The Coast Guard Auxiliary
promotes safe recreational boating through education. If your boat does not possess all the
requirements to receive a decal, you will not be "red tagged, recorded, or reported"
to any Federal or State agency. Items failing to meet the State and Federal requirements are
brought to the attention of the boat owner for remedy. By design, this is between the boat
owner and the Vessel Examiner. Your boat can be re-examined at any time by any qualified
Vessel Examiner. And we love to re-examine boats to keep you safe!
Please Follow This Link to Find an Examiner
Or... Click Here to Experience a Virtual Vessel Safety Check
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Things which will be checked for compliance: |
State Registration Numbers
Backfire Flame Arrester
Dewatering Device / Bailer
Hull Identification Number
Sound Producing Devices
Electrical Installation
Navigation Rule Booklets
Navigation Lights
Galley Installation
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PFDs (Life Jackets)
Fuel / Heating System
Marine Sanitation Device
Fire Extinguishers
Anchor and Line
Pollution / Trash Placards
Ventilation
Secondary Method of Propulsion
Visual Distress Signals
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Any other special State or Federal requirements due to the length of the boat or use of
the vessel may also be checked. Your Vessel Examiner will be happy to explain these items at the
time of the examination. It's better to get a cheerful explanation from an Auxiliary Vessel Examiner
than a costly citation or embarrassing escort from the U. S. Coast Guard or San Diego Police.
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