A Vessel Safety Check is a courtesy examination of your boat (vessel) to verify the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by State and Federal regulations. The Vessel Examiners are trained specialists and are members of the Mid-Coast Sail & Power Squadron, other branches of the USPS®, or the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. They will make certain recommendations and discuss certain safety issues that will make you and your boat safer.

The inspection is not a boarding or law enforcement issue. No citations are given as a result of the inspection. The examiners will supply you with a copy of their evaluation sheet so that you can follow some of the suggestions given. Vessels that pass are given a distinctive VSC decal indicating compliance. This does not exempt you from law enforcement or Coast Guard boarding, but you can be prepared to make this a positive encounter.

Public Vessel Safety Checks are normally scheduled each spring at the start of the boating season. These are announced in local newspapers, and will be publicized on this web site when they are scheduled. For more information about the Vessel Safety Check details and inspection criteria, refer to the Vessel Safety Check Web Site. A Vessel Safety Check evaluation form that can be viewed or printed is available in PDF format.