 Vessel
Safety Checks
For Information about having Auxiliarists coming to visit
your marina, yacht club, boat ramp etc. contact: email us
at vesselsafetychecks@cgalakewylie.org
What is a Vessel Safety Check?
A Vessel Safety Check is an inspection of your boat performed
with you and a volunteer member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
The primary goal of a safety inspection is to discuss with
you required safety equipment and safety features specific
to your boat. Results of the Safety Check are not reported
to anyone.
A boat either passes or fails. If your boat passes the Safety
Check, a Decal is affixed, indicating all required equipment
is aboard and functioning properly. This decal is also known
as "The Seal
of Safety" and your boat is recognized by law enforcement
agencies as being equipped with the required safety items.
If your boat fails, a decal is not given and you will receive
a list of the missing or damaged items which need to be attended
to for your boat to meet Federal and State requirements. Upon
acquiring or repairing these items you may contact the Auxiliarist
who will re-inspect your boat. If everything is in order,
a "Seal of
Safety" decal will then be issued.
"Boat Smart, From the Start!"
Do You Have Enough Life Jackets?
Are they in Excellent Condition? Where are They? Are they
still in the packaging you purchased them in (They shouldn't
be)? If your life depended on a Life Jacket, would you be
comfortable going into the water with any one of the Life
Jackets on your boat? Do you have the right sizes available
for children or large adults? Does your Life Jacket have a
light so you can be seen after dark? What is in the pockets
of your Life Jacket? Is other survival gear such as a mirror
or die marker attached to your life vest?
Why Should I Sign Up for a Vessel Safety Check?
Insure your Boat is safe for you, your family and guests
Discuss your boat with a fellow boater who is also a trained
and experienced member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Results are confidential. We do not give any information about
you or your boat to anyone and no tickets or summonses are
ever issued.
It's FREE and convenient we come to you at your boat.
Boats that pass the Safety Check receive a "Seal
of Safety" decal.
What Do I need to Pass a Safety Inspection?
The requirements are different based on the size of you boat.
The following is a list of some of the items we check:
- Registration # on boat with proper spacing
- Registration Certificate on board
- Navigation Lights in working order
- 3 current day and night flares
- Wearable and throwable life preservers
- Distress flag (18 ft & over)
- All boats must carry a sound producing device (whistle,
horn, siren, etc.) capable of a 4-second blast audible for
½ mile
- Boats larger than 39.4 ft. are required to have a bell
- Pollution Placard and Trash Placard (26 ft & over)
- Fire Extinguishers
- Blower working and Proper Ventilation
- Backfire flame arrestor (gasoline engines)
- Anchor & sufficient line
- Oar or paddle (under 16 ft)
- Bilge pumps in working order
- Battery terminals covered and in good condition
- Holding tank for head
- Boats 39.4 feet & over must have on board a current
copy of the Navigation Rules
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.
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