Vessel Safety Checks
What is a Vessel Safety Check?
  • A specially trained member of our squadron will
    visit your boat (vessel) to examine the presence
    and condition of safety equipment required by
    State and Federal Regulations.  This is a public
    service by a volunteer.  There is no charge.
  • Vessel Safety Checks cover all sorts of
    recreational boats from kayaks, canoes, and
    personal watercraft, to ocean going sail and
    power vessels.
  • Depending on the size and type of boat, the
    examiner will look at such things as personal
    flotation devices, emergency signals, fire
    extinguishers, navigation lights, horns, and the
    like.
  • The visit is relatively short, friendly and
    designed to be helpful.  You will enjoy and learn
    from it.

What a Vessel Safety Check is not?
  • A Vessel Safety Check is not a boarding by a law
    enforcement person.  In fact, it has nothing to
    do with law enforcement.
  • Rather, the examiner is someone just like you - a
    recreational boater, but with one difference.  
    The examiner has been certified as
    knowledgeable about the types of equipment
    you are required to have onboard.
  • Results of an inspection are never given to any
    law enforcement person or agency

Why should I have one?
  • You will be given a copy of the results so that
    you may follow up on any suggestions the
    examiner makes.
  • If your boat passes the inspection, you will be
    given a distinctive VSC decal like the one here.  
    The decal says to the world that your boat has
    been inspected and found to comply with safety
    equipment requirements.
  • While the decal will not exempt you from a
    possible future boarding by the U.S. Coast
    Guard or other enforcement agencies, you will
    be prepared to make it a positive one.
  • If for some reason your boat does not pass, the
    examiner will be pleased to come again after you
    have had time to correct the deficiency.

What equipment will be checked?
  • Click on the VSC decal to see the types of items
    that may be inspected and the form used.  
    Remember the size and type of boat mandates
    federal and state equipment requirements.  
    Kayaks, Canoes, Row, Powered and Sail  boats
    and personal watercraft all can be checked.

How may I arrange for a Vessel
Safety Check?:

  • Call  508-737-5374          
  • Send an email to vsc@ccsps.org
Cape Cod Sail and Power Squadron, Inc.
A Unit of United States Power Squadrons® - District 14