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.
How may I arrange for a Vessel Safety Check?:

  • Chairperson Arthur Kimber
  • Call 508-778-2476; or                            
  • Send an email to vsc@ccsps.org
Cape Cod Sail and Power Squadron, Inc.
A Unit of United States Power Squadrons® - District 14
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.