Vessel Examination

I Want A VSC         Vessel Safety Check Web Site         Virtual Vessel Safety Check

About Vessel Examination

A Vessel Safety Check is a courtesy examination of your watercraft to verify the presence and condition of safety equipment required by State and Federal regulations. The Vessel Examiner is a trained specialist and a member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. In addition to the examination, Vessel Examiners may make recommendations and discuss certain safety issues that will make you a safer boater.
Watercraft eligible for Vessel Safety Checks include almost any type of watercraft, especially including paddle craft. Vessel Safety Checks may be accomplished alongside a dock, in a launch ramp waiting area, on a trailered vessel in a driveway, or anywhere else a trailered vessel is stored. The owner/operator is provided a copy of the Vessel Safety Check results. The Vessel Examiner does not have any Enforcement authority.
Links in this web page provide the opportunity for a vessel owner/operator to learn more about Vessel Safety Check subject matter, and to request a Vessel Safety Check.
The District Vessel Examination department oversees the Auxiliary’s vessel examination program at the district level. As part of that responsibility, subject matter guidance is provided to assist FSO-VEs in District 11 SR in accomplishing their broad responsibilities. Use of the Vessel Examiner Chain of Leadership is encouraged.

News & Notices

CERTIFICATE OF DOCUMENTATION RENEWAL DELAYS

The Certificate of Documentation is having issues with the renewal process. Click Here to read the notice for further information.

2019 VSC DECAL INITIAL DISTRIBUTION

This is the 2019 initial decal distribution spreadsheet

IMPORTANT VESSEL CHECK DOCUMENTATION

VSC HISTORY 1946 – 2019

Read this interesting story on the history of the Vessel Safety Check program! Click Here to read the story!

ENGINE CUT-OFF SWITCHES

Here is some new guidance concerning Engine Cut-Off Switches

Vessel Examiner Job Aid Kit

Vessel Examiner Documentation