Vessel Safety Checks
The Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. your boat passes the test you will receive a
Power Squadron are volunteer organizations Seal of Safety decal to display on your boat.
dedicated to promoting boating safety. They Following is a list of VSC requirements and
offer a free boat inspection called a Vessel recommendations. The list serves as a good
Safety Check(VSC). The VSC requirements overview of the USCG legal equipment min-
and recommendations are at least as strin- imum, along with some intelligent additions.
gent as the Coast Guard’s guidelines, and in For more on these fine organizations and the
many cases stricter. The examination doesn’t services they provide, visit their respective
enforce the law — it’s to promote safety. If websites (www.cgaux.org and www.usps.org).
Numbering — proper spacing, contrasting color, minimum 3” block letters;
Registration/Documentation — must be on board;
Navigation lights — must operate and show proper configuration;
Sound producing device — horn, whistle, or other (a bell on boats over 12m — 39.4 ft);
Personal flotation device (PFD) — one wearable for each passenger, 2 minimum (Type IV
on boats 16 ft or longer);
Fire extinguishers — mounted, minimum for size of boat, HALON, FE241/CO2-current tag;
Visual distress signals (VDS) — INLAND, a VDS, flag, signal light, etc.; INT’L., minimum
flares, aerial rockets, or approved signals, not expired;
Backfire flame arrester — approved, tight, clean;
Ventilation — for closed compartments with potential for explosive vapors and an ignition
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source. Blower must work and warning posted. Fuel tanks secure, over seven gallons consid-
ered permanent, and must be grounded/vented. Hoses in good condition, no leaks;
Anchor & tackle — Suitable to boat and the area (recommended, not required to pass VSC);
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y Chec
Alternate propulsion — under 16 ft, paddle or oar; if mechanical, separate fuel tank and
starting source (recommended, not required to pass VSC);
Dewatering device — pumps must work, extra manual bailer (recommended, not required
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to pass VSC);
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Overall vessel condition — bilge and equipment area clean, well maintained. Not overloaded,
overpowered, or no automotive parts;
Electrical system — batteries secure, terminals covered, well-organized wiring, proper fuses/
circuit breakers;
Galley/Heating systems — secure system, proper tank installation; no flammable material nearby;
State requirements — complies with state safety requirements. Contact state boating regulators lanning
for current state boating regulations;
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Marine sanitation device — approved device, overboard discharge sealed;
MARPOL trash placard — boats 26 ft and longer, written plan over 40 ft;
Pollution placard — boats 26 ft and longer with machinery compartment;
Navigation rules — boats 12m (39.4 ft) and longer;
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