U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Division22, 1st Coast Guard District

• National Vessel Safety Check Site
• Virtual Vessel Safety Check
• Boating Safety
• New PFD Law, November 2009

Vessel Safety Check:

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary offers vessel safety checks by qualified vessel examiners across Long Island.  The primary contact is Robert McQuillan.

Vessel Safety Checks are conducted by Auxiliarists at local marinas, boat ramps and other areas. Inspectors may also make house calls to inspect a boat in the driveway if necessary.  Passing inspection may save a vessel owner money on boat insurance.  There is no charge for the inspection and there is NO LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTION TAKEN even if serious problems are encountered, since Safety Checks are voluntary.  Inspectors discuss problems and potential problems with vessel owners which may be unique to a vessel or pertain to safety in general.  This is a unique opportunity for many vessel owners to learn more about their boat and "The Rules of the Road".  For information or to request a safety check visit http://www.safetyseal.net/

Boaters are also encouraged to attend one of the Auxiliary's Safe Boating Classes, which are mandatory for Jet Ski operators.

What is a Vessel Safety Check (VSC)?

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 the Federal regulations.  The Vessel Examiner is a trained specialist and is a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.  They will also make certain recommendations and discuss certain safety issues that will make you a safer boater.  The items checked by the examiner include:

• Proper Display of State Registration Numbers
• State Registration Information on the boat
• Personal Flotation Devices (life jackets) on the boat.
• Visual Distress Signals (flares). Expired flares are the most common cause of summonses issued by law enforcement.
• Ventilation of enclosed areas where the engine is located
• Backfire Flame Control (if required)
• Fire Extinguishers
• Sound Producing Devices
• Navigation Lights
• Pollution or Trash Placards (if required)
• Marine Sanitation Devices (if required)
• Navigation Rules
• Specific NYS requirements, including Anchor and sufficient Anchor Line.
• Overall Vessel Condition

A Vessel Safety Check is not boarding or law enforcement. No citations will be given as a result of this encounter.  We will supply you with a copy of our evaluation so that you may follow some of the suggestions given.  Vessels that pass will be able to display our distinctive VSC decal.  The results of a Vessel Safety Check are confidential and we do not give any information about you or your boat to anyone or issue any tickets or summonses.  Passing the check and affixing the decal does not exempt you from law enforcement boarding, but you can be prepared to make this a positive encounter.

A vessel safety check will help insure that your boat is safe for you, your family and your guests.  Interested in a Free Vessel Safety Check?  We will meet you at your boat.  Send us an email and an Auxiliarist will contact you to make an appointment.  Please include a phone number with the best time to contact you and the town or marina in which your boat is located.

• NY State Personal Watercraft Minimum Age of Operation changes. Effective Jan/1/2006.
• Boating Safety Statistics by the US Coast Guard
• Boating Safety Courses
• Float Plan Central Don't leave the dock unless someone knows where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Click Here to find a Vessel Examiner in your area
• The New York State Boater's Guide (pdf) is a complete reference source with all of the rules and regulations you need to know in order to boat safely and legally in New York State.
• Coast Guard Boating Safety Resource Center