Safe boating is no accident. Safety equipment is not only required depending on size of the vessel, it's important and should be in good working order. A free Vessel Safety Check will help you in both of these key areas, meeting the Federal and State Safety Equipment requirements and making sure it's in good working order. VEs (Vessel Examiners) in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadrons are all volunteers.

• What is a Vessel Safety Check?
  
  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..

• How long does a Vessel Safety Check take?
  
  Most trailer boats can be checked in minutes.

• What do I get when my boat is checked?
  
  All boaters will receive an evaluation form and boats that meet safety requirements will receive a year 2007 Vessel Safety Check decal to be displayed onboard. The evaluation form can be shown at any West Marine, Boat US or Boater's World marine center to purchase necessary safety related items at a discount.

• What if my boat is at a marina?
  
  USPS and Coast Guard Auxiliary personnel will conduct Vessel Safety Check at marinas, boat launches and yacht clubs at your convenience.

**Check here to request a Vessel Safety Check **

A virtual safety check is offered by USPS Vessel Check Web Site. For further information, visit their web site or contact the Fort Macon Sail and Power Squadron Vessel Safety Check Chairman, Elliott Manke at 252-728-6707.  Copyright ^© 1997 United States Power Squadrons^® All Rights Reserved. ^®The USPS Ensign (Flag Design), "Wheel-and-Flag Design", "Officer Trident Design"', "United States Power Squadrons", "USPS", "The Ensign", "the Squadron" with flag graphic, "Boat Smart", and "Jet Smart" are registered trademarks of United States Power Squadrons.

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