Vessel Safety Checks
The VSC program provides a means by which the boating public can request a free examination of safety related items required by federal and state law to be carried on board their vessel. If a boat does not pass a VSC, no violation report is made to the Coast Guard or to any law enforcement agency.
For more information on the VSC program, please visit the new, public VSC Web Site.
What equipment is necessary for VSC approval?
The VSC is a service provided to owners or operators of privately owned recreational motorboats; certain federal, state, and local government-owned motorboats; and certain other boats less than 65 feet in length that do not come under the provisions of the Coast Guard inspection and certification program. Only those Auxiliarists who are qualified as Vessel Examiners may perform VSCs. An examination will be made only with the consent of, and in the presence of, the owner or operator of a vessel. It is made solely as a helpful service to the boating public.
The VSC actively promotes boating safety by using trained Auxiliary volunteers to educate the boater through a direct, face-to-face boating safety information exchange with the owner or operator, providing instruction on equipment to be carried on board, and other matters affecting safety. Federal and local equipment regulations and Auxiliary VSC requirements are explained as well as other matters of interest.
The Personal Watercraft Safety Check and Commercial Fishing Vessel Check are similar to the VSC.