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Vessel Safety Check:

VSC SealThe United States Coast Guard Auxiliary offers vessel safety checks by qualified vessel examiners across Long Island. The primary contact is Shelley Lee Johnson, Division Staff Officer for Vessel Safety Checks, 631-368-4795.

The inspectors make house calls to inspect a boat in the driveway if necessary. Passing inspection may save money on boat insurance. There is no charge for the inspection. 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.