VESSEL EXAMINATIONS

Vessel Examinations are a very important part of our mission of boating safety. Each year we have a new decal for placement on vessels which pass the standards of the Auxiliary. Most folks who have the examination once tend to call the examiner each year to set up a current safety check. It pays to have someone look at your boat each year to be sure you have not overlooked anything.

A self check for your vessel is available at VSC Page. Then call a VE to check it out and give you a decal if you pass.

Here is an interesting Boating News site BOATING NEWS

RECALL NOTICE

A defective opening mechanism in some 12-gauge plastic flare guns manufactured by Olin (now Orion Safety Products) prior to 2000 may not open wide enough to accept a flare cartridge. Guns with a modification to correct the possible problem are marked with U.S. Coast Guard approval code 160 028//12/1. Boaters with older flare guns should check the operation of the opening mechanism now and at the start of each boating season. If the breech will not open wide enough to accept a cartridge, the gun should be sent back for a replacement. Send defective guns to:

ORION SAFETY PRODUCTS, MARINE DIVISION

3157N. 500W

PERU, IN 46970

1-800-851-5260.

FIND A VESSEL EXAMINER IN YOUR AREA

To find a vessel examiner in your area the following members have agreed to be posted on this site. Click on this link.

Find a Vessel Examiner

NEW RULING on PFD's

CHILDREN MUST WEAR A PFD

Effective Aug. 30, 2004 children under the age of 13 will be required to wear a PFD when onboard an recreational vessel, except when in a cabin. In the case where the State has a regulation the State regulation shall apply in state waters. With regards to Florida it seems to mean that inside of the 3 mile line only children under the age of 6 need to wear a PFD when the vessel in underway; however if you are outside of the 3 mile line then ALL children under 13 must wear a PFD. The Coast Guard has been empowered to enforce both the State and Federal regulations. The fine non-compliance is up to $1,100; certainly enough to ruin your day.

As Auxiliarists we set a good example by ALWAYS wearing ours in the proper manner. It's not always comfortable, but safety is the important issue.

The 2004 VSC decal

It is a good idea to have someone else inspect your vessel each year since they will spot things you may overlook; this is why Auxiliary Facilities may not be inspected by the owner or a realtive.

FACILITY INSPECTIONS

It is now preferred that Facility Inspections coincide with the owners birth month rather than all due at once. Remember to include Coxswain assignment sheets which are to be forwarded with Facility inspections; For your convenice this form may be obtained by clicking on the following link:

7 th District Coxswain Assignment Form

VESSEL EXAMINERS - Update your VSC Manual. Changes are found on the site below

VSC Manual Update

Public Education

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