VESSEL SAFETY CHECK

Vessel Safety Check (VSC)

The smartest safety maneuver on the water!

What is a Vessel Safety Check?

A certified vessel examiner performs a Vessel Safety Check (VSC) to ensure your boat meets federal safety standards and that you will have the necessary equipment to save lives and summon help in an emergency.

VSCs are FREE and performed at your boat, whether your boat is located in your driveway or a marina — your vessel safety examiner will come to you.

Why should I care?

• Respect: Smart boaters know, when they see a vessel with that official VSC decal, they know, you know what you’re doing. Vessels passing safety checks are awarded an official U.S. Coast Guard Decal. You can’t get it any other way.  Boat owners, captains, and passengers — be proud knowing you’re on a vessel that’s in tip-top shape and ready for an adventure on the water.
• Save money: In many cases, boating insurance agencies offer discounts for vessels that undergo a Vessel Safety Check every year.
• Avoid a citation: If your boat is boarded by the U.S. Coast Guard or other sanctioned boarding agent and does not comply with federal safety standards you may receive a citation or fine.
• Gain peace of mind: This is the easiest appointment you will schedule all year.  Know that your boat is safe and meets safety standards and that you have the necessary equipment to save lives and summon help in an emergency.

How much does it cost and how long will it take?

• VSCs are 100% FREE. The examination usually takes less than 30 minutes, depending on the size of your boat.

Get the decal!

When is the best time to schedule and how long does the VSC decal last?

• It depends on your boating season. Similar to your vehicle inspection Vessel Safety Checks (and the decal) lasts for one calendar year. 
• All decals are void on December 31st of the inspection year. 
• Examiners are busiest in the spring. Avoid delays and Schedule your VSC during the winter.

What happens if I fail the Vessel Safety Check?

• Let us help you prepare for the safety check by giving you the answers to the “test!” 
• Do a self-examination by reviewing these 15 key items addressed during each VSC. Click here to prepare. NOTE: this list does not consider specific requirements for your State or vessel type. Your certified vessel examiner will guide you on this detail. 
• If you choose to “wing it” without checking the list provided, don’t worry, if you fail there are no penalties or records of failing a vessel safety check. However, you won’t be awarded the coveted decal. The vessel examiner will give you time to remedy and resubmit. 
• The safety inspection results are only reported to you, the boat owner.  

What happens If I decide not to do a Vessel Safety Check?

• Fines and citations. If your boat is boarded by the U.S. Coast Guard or other sanctioned boarding agent and does not comply with safety standards you may receive a citation or fine for every infraction.
• 15 federal safety standards are covered during your VSC and this does not include safety regulations specific to your state.   

If you want the official decal your VSC must be performed by a certified vessel examiner. 

• America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons
• the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

Schedule your Vessel Safety Check today. 
It’s the one safety maneuver every boater should master!

Boating is serious fun. We’ve provided a variety of advocate tools and outreach methods, choose what works best for you and your community.

• Lead by example. We can’t expect others to change if we haven’t.
• Educate in small sound bites. When we know better, we do better.
• Visit spread the word for easy outreach through personal social media outlets and boating forums.
• Provide year-round education on all boating safety topics – download pamphlets, flyers, banners, and posters. Great event materials. Search by topic in the resource section.
• Download our marketing playbook.
• Don’t know where to start? Contact us. We’re happy to help.