A Vessel Safety Check (VSC) 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 Examiner (VE) is a trained specialist and is a member of the member of the United States Power Squadron (USPS). As part of the inspection, the VE will make certain recommendations and discuss other safety issues that will help to make you a safer boater.
Vessel Safety Checks are a courtesy examination of safety equipment and discussion of safety procedures. They are not a law enforcement issue. No citations or reports to law enforcement will be given as a result of this encounter.
The Vessel Examiner will supply you with a copy their evaluation so that you may follow-up the suggestions given. Passing vessels will be able to display our distinctive VSC decal. This does not exempt the boater from law enforcement boarding, but one can be prepared to make this a positive encounter.
The USPS and Coast Guard Auxiliary maintain a joint website ( link--www.safetyseal.net) with extensive information
on VSCs. This site contains information on required items ( clickable link to www.safetyseal.net/what_is_VSC.asp)
recommended for vessel safety. It contains a list of the most commonly found deficiencies (clickable link to www.safetyseal.net/vsc_stats.asp) when performing VSCs. We recommend you visit this site to prepare you boat. Whether or not you participate in an official inspection, you can improve your boats, your crews and your own safety by including the covered items on this checklist.
Remember, the safety of your passengers and yourself are our primary concern. We do not make any reports to any law enforcement agency regarding your VSC. If your vessel is deficient, you will have a list of those
deficiencies so they can be corrected and we will reexamine at that time. If your vessel passes, you will be issued a sticker that identifies your vessel as having met the minimum legal requirements.
America's Boating Club Austin looks forward to examining your vessel and safe boating with you on the Highland Lakes.
For your free VSC, please fill out this form: