Boaters normally spent some time at the beginning of each season wondering about required safety equipment and potential changes in regulations concerning their vessels. There is an educational and painless way for boaters to ensure compliance with Coast Guard equipment requirements and regulations. The process available to boaters is the Vessel Safety Check (VSC) Program conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadrons. VSCs cover an examination of the equipment required by law and equipment or items recommended to be present on a well-outfitted boat.
Vessel Examiners are trained, tested, and certified by their parent organizations, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadrons. Examiners are familiar with safety issues experienced by boaters and ways to deal with their problems.
So what things do the examiners look for on your boat to ensure it is safe to operate?
Required Equipment
- Registration - Vessels must be currently registered by State or Federal authorities. In general, boats that are larger than five net tons are documented by the Federal government. There are marking requirements for boats registered under these schemes.
- Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) - One USCG approved PFD is required for each person onboard a vessel operated in U.S. waters. A throwable or Type IV PFD like a ring buoy or floating cushion is required on boats over 16 feet in length. The article on Personal Floatation Devices has more information on the subject.
- Visual Distress Signals - Depending on the time of operation, day and/or night distress signals need to be carried onboard vessels. See the article on Distress Signals posted on Suite101.com
- Fire Extinguishers - Vessels that have mechanical propulsion are required to have a USCG approved fire extinguisher onboard. The number of required extinguishers is dependent on the length of the vessel.
- Ventilation - Many boats have gasoline powered engines installed in closed spaces within the boat. These inboard engine installations require that the boat be equipped with powered ventilation system to prevent to build up of explosive gasoline vapors.
- Backfire Flame Arrester - Gasoline engines equipped with a carburetor need a USCG approved backfire flame arrester. The flame arrester blocks any open flame exiting the carburetor. Without this device, gasoline vapors in the engine compartment could accidentally ignite.
- Sound Producing Device - Collision avoidance regulations depend on boaters carrying sound producing equipment. These can include portable compressed air and vessel mounted horns.
- Navigation Lights - Operating navigation lights are required for operation of your boat at night and in conditions of reduced visibility like fog.
- Regulatory Placards - Placards or regulatory notices must be posted on vessels over 28 feet in length. These placards notify the operators of regulations addressing oil pollution and proper disposal of marine related garbage.
Recommended Items
- Marine VHF Radio - A marine VHF isn't required by law, but can be a real lifesaver. The Coast Guard communications system is geared to using these radios, and they are often more likely to perform better than cellular phone system. See the article on Boater Communications and Procedures for additional details.
- Alternative Dewatering Pump - Carry a spare, manually operated pump for bailing out your boat. You should have something available on your boat to help bail it out that does not depend on the vessel's power system.
- Mounting Fire Extinguishers - There is a major benefit associated with properly mounting your fire extinguishers. A fire extinguisher that is stowed on your boat will not be readily available when you really need it. Mounting the extinguisher right at your fingertips when it is needed.
- Anchor and Line - As stated in the Suite101 article on Stupid Boater Tricks, a good anchor is your friend. If you ever think about your options during a mechanical breakdown, not having an anchor poses two different scenarios. While waiting for help, your boat can be swept onto a rocky beach or you can head out to sea. A good anchoring system can help prevent this.
- First-Aid Kit - As in your car or workplace, having a first-aid kit onboard can make a major difference in your ability to respond and treat an injury that occurs during a boating trip. First-aid kits are inexpensive and represent inexpensive onboard insurance for your boat.
- Capacity Plate/Certificate of Compliance - Most boats built under approval standards set by the Coast Guard will carry a placard that states the maximum recommended load and passenger capacity of the boat. Larger boats may carry a manufacturer's statement of compliance with Coast Guard vessel standards. This information is vital to the safe operation of your boat.
Once you successfully complete your VSC, a decal is affixed to your boat certifying completion of the inspection. Completion of a VSC also provides boaters with benefits like discounts for liability insurance at State Farm and boating equipment purchases at West Marine. Be a proactive boater and arrange for a VSC today. Examiners are ready and able to assist you.
Alan Sorum - Alan Sorum is the Maritime Operations Project Manager for the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (PWSRCAC). Alan is ...
