As we prepare for spring commissioning, it's a good time to remind boaters around the Bay that the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary recommends all recreational boaters, including personal watercraft and paddle sport users, take advantage of their free Vessel Safety Check program every year. Inspections are set up at mutually convenient times and performed by a certified inspector. The inspection can take place in or out of the water. Simply go to the Vessel Safety Check website and click on "I want a VSC."
Boats that pass the examination are awarded a distinctive VSC Decal that alerts the Coast Guard, Harbor Patrol, and other law-enforcement agencies that your boat was found to be in full compliance with all Federal and State boating laws.
If your boat doesn't pass, you won't get a ticket or a fine, but you will recieve a written report of what you need to do to receive a passing grade. A quick trip to the marine store for supplies might be all you need to get your vessel up to snuff.
To get started, you might try the Coast Guard Auxiliary's virtual safety check where you will be asked a series of questions about your boat, or a hypothetical boat, and its equipment. You can use this as a quiz to test your knowlege of the safety requirements.
For more boating safety,consider a boating safety course. These are offered by many yacht clubs, and U.S. Power Squadrons. And BoatUS Foundation provides state-by-state free, interactive, boating safety courses online. Maryland and Virginia both require boating safety courses for certain boaters, but they're a good idea for everyone who operates a vessel.
Thursday, March 28, 2013 - 17:05
As we prepare for spring commissioning, it's a good time to remind boaters around the Bay that the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary recommends all recreational boaters, including personal watercraft and paddle sport users, take advantage of their free Vessel Safety Check program every year. Inspections are set up at mutually convenient times and performed by a certified inspector. The inspection can take place in or out of the water. Simply go to the Vessel Safety Check website and click on "I want a VSC."
Boats that pass the examination are awarded a distinctive VSC Decal that alerts the Coast Guard, Harbor Patrol, and other law-enforcement agencies that your boat was found to be in full compliance with all Federal and State boating laws.
If your boat doesn't pass, you won't get a ticket or a fine, but you will recieve a written report of what you need to do to receive a passing grade. A quick trip to the marine store for supplies might be all you need to get your vessel up to snuff.
To get started, you might try the Coast Guard Auxiliary's virtual safety check where you will be asked a series of questions about your boat, or a hypothetical boat, and its equipment. You can use this as a quiz to test your knowlege of the safety requirements.
For more boating safety,consider a boating safety course. These are offered by many yacht clubs, and U.S. Power Squadrons. And BoatUS Foundation provides state-by-state free, interactive, boating safety courses online. Maryland and Virginia both require boating safety courses for certain boaters, but they're a good idea for everyone who operates a vessel.