The Vessel Safety Check is a complimentary check of your boat conducted by members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, confirming that it meets both federal and state requirements for safety.

No citations are issued and the results of the safety check are not reported to any enforcement agency, but a decal is awarded to display if the vessel has passed the examination.

An example of some of the items checked include:

• Personal Flotation Devices (life jackets)
• Registration and numbering
• Navigation lights
• Ventilation
• Fire extinguishers
• Distress signals (flares, horn, etc.)
• Battery cover and connections

All of these items are currently required by state and federal laws and, if missing or non-operating, can result in a citation if your vessel is inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard or local law enforcement agencies.

The Vessel Safety Check gives you a risk-free way to check that you meet the legal minimums and to potentially avoid a citation later.

For more information on the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary's Vessel Safety Check Program, please visit our national website.

TO SCHEDULE A LOCAL VESSEL SAFETY CHECK, please contact SO-VE@DivisionNine.org.