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Vessel Safety Check

Vessel Safety Check is a national program which reduces
the number of accidents and boating fatalities.

 
 
Vessel Safety Check Decal
Mike Lauro DSO-VE

Vessel Safety Checks
SAVE LIVES
Sign-up today!
Mike Lauro DSO-VE
 


VSC Station at Buckly Cove, near Stockton, CA
Come on down for your Vessel Safety Check!
We're ready.


 
VESSEL SAFETY CHECK MISSION STATEMENT 
♦ The mission of this program is to minimize the loss of life, personal injury,
   property damage and environmental impact associated with the use of recreational
   boats, through preventive means.
♦ The  Vessel Safety Check is much more than a compliance-oriented examination.
♦ It is an opportunity to help educate boaters through a direct face-to-face boating
   information  exchange.
 

Why Have A Vessel Safety Check?       paddle craft audio Listen Here
Know where all your equipment is at a glance
Have the right things handy when you need them
Have a checklist of your safety items
Know all your safety items are in compliance with State and Federal regulations


What Is A Vessel Safety Check?      


USCG Auxiliary Vessel Safety Check Review
                   (3 MB PDF file), download                                                      VSC Review


USCG Auxiliary Vessel Safety Check Items (non-Paddlecraft)
                                             download                                                         VSC List

 

Vessel Safety Check Availability
Some of the places we do Vessel Safety Checks are listed                                   HERE

To set up a time for your Vessel Safety Check or if your favorite place isn't listed,
please contact Mike Lauro DSO-VE.
 

Label your Kayaks and Canoes

Paddlecraft Safety Review
                   (4 MB PDF file),
download                             Paddlecraft Review


USCG Auxiliary Paddlecraft Vessel Safety Check Items
                                             download                             VSC List



The U.S. Coast Guard Auxillary has introduced “Operation Paddle Smart” through their “Vessel Safety Check” program to help you with this. You will be given Paddle Smart stickers for your kayak or canoe at the end each Vessel Safety Check.
Group Commander Remarks:

"The bottom line is these Paddle Smart stickers can save lives" says Captain Chris Martino, Commander, Group/Air Station Humboldt Bay.  "By enabling the Coast Guard to rapidly link abandoned or drifting paddle craft to their owners, these stickers help rescuers to determine if a mariner is truly in distress and, in many cases, the best search area.  Considering the harsh Pacific Northwest environment, minutes can often make all the difference.

Even if it is determined that the owner is not in distress, these stickers can ensure that valuable property gets back to its rightful owner.  It's remarkable that something as small and insignificant as a Paddle Smart sticker can provide such an overwhelming benefit to the boating public.

I have one on my kayak."
These situations are easy to avoid by labeling your kayak or canoe, as well as your other paddling gear such as your PFD, paddles, etc. This can help prevent any turmoil should they go adrift.

PaddleSmart Sticker

Public Education Courses
Many boating safety classes, basic and advanced, are available to the public. Please click here to find out more information.
Graduate Boating Safety Course
 

recreational boating fatalities
 
 

Request a local Vessel Safety Check (VSC):

  National Vessel Examination I Want A VSC  



      On-Line Lookup VSC Examiners Database

                              or

           Contact Mike Lauro DSO-VE
 



 

For additional information, visit the national home of:

 

Vessel Safety Check Web Site


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