[USPS Ensign]
[BPS Burgee] Birmingham Power Squadron [BPS Burgee]
0921 on Tuesday, May 13th, 2008

Vessel Safety Check

The Vessel Safety Check (VSC) program is a free check of a vessel's equipment for compliance with federal, state and local safety requirements. It is under the authority of the USCG but administered by the United States Power Squadrons and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. Some of the items we check are: Proper display of numbers, Registration/Documentation, Personal Flotation Devices, Visual Distress Signals, Fire extinguishers, Ventilation, Backfire Flame Control, Sound Producing Devices, Navigation Lights, State & Local Requirements, Overall Vessel Condition.


A Vessel Safety Check can reduce accidents and injuries by educating the boater as to the value and use of marine safety equipment, and safe practices on the water.

It is not a law enforcement activity, so no citations will be issued.


A Vessel Safety Check can:

Identify potential safety problems and money saving opportunities,

Prevent citations for not meeting federal and state and local safety equipment requirement,

Identify possible educational and equipment-related boating insurance discounts, and

Increase yourawareness of safety practices to avoid accidents and costly breakdowns.

Free Vessel Safety Check

Vessel Safety Check examinations are scheduled for:

Great Lakes Yacht Club Saturday May 31, 2008
Dodge Park, Cass Lake Saturday, May 24, 2008


If you would like more information about the VSC program or to schedule an examination please email VSC@bpsd9.org, and we will contact you.

Vessel Safety Checklist

Additional information can be found at the USPS National VSC site: www.usps.org/national/vsc