Safe Boating

Vessel examination can help ensure your boat is safe

By Roz Butziger
Posted 5/18/16

You've been waxing, painting, polishing, cleaning and getting ready for those idyllic days of summer. With every brush stroke you hear a can open and the burgers sizzle on the grill. The boat is really looking great, but what about the most important

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Safe Boating

Vessel examination can help ensure your boat is safe

Posted

You’ve been waxing, painting, polishing, cleaning and getting ready for those idyllic days of summer. With every brush stroke you hear a can open and the burgers sizzle on the grill. The boat is really looking great, but what about the most important thing – safety!

So many jobs to do, how can you tell if you missed something important? The Coast Guard Auxiliary is conducting free vessel examinations for you. What if something is missing? Do they report you? No, of course not. The report is only for you, so you know what to get or fix. So what do you need? Life preservers come first, naturally, in good condition and out of their plastic wrappers. Running lights are important so other boats can see you at night or in the fog and know if you are on a collision course with them. Make sure the red running light is on your left when you face the bow. Your masthead light needs to be at least three feet above your running lights.

If you have an installed head (marine toilet), it must be inspected by a certified examiner. This costs around $25 to $35. You can find an inspector at most marinas. Your head sticker must be current. If you just have a port-a-potty you don’t need one as long as it is not installed.

If your boat has an enclosed space and an engine, you need a fire extinguisher. You should check for any seals that are missing or broken. Make sure if there is a pressure gauge it reads in the operable range. Check for damage, corrosion, leakage or clogged nozzles. Of course your fire extinguisher should be readily accessible and your crew should know where it is!

Signaling devices are a must. You should have a bell or horn that can be heard over a half mile away. Visual distress signals are required for boats over 16 feet. If operating at night (after sunset) they are required for all boats other than paddle craft or small completely open sailboats with no engine.  

Of course your boat has to be legal – State numbers, registration or federal documentation, Pollution and Marpol placard (often your vessel examiner will have those). It has to be in overall good condition – clean bilge, etc.

For more information on just what is needed plus a complete check-off list, just go to www.northstarflotilla.com. How do you get an examination? Any certified Coast Guard Auxiliary vessel examiner can schedule one. Saturday, May 21, North Star Flotilla is having a Vessel Examination Day at Brewers Cowesset Marina North and South. Just email david30 am, and we will send an examiner down to you. If you are at Dickerson’s marina we will go there too. If you are located somewhere else, or even trailered in your yard, call and make an appointment. Can’t make it that day? No problem. Just email or call and schedule an examination for another time.  If you pass, we will award you the VSC Decal for this year, but more importantly, you know your boat is safe!

ENSURING THAT IT’S SAFE: North Star Flotilla Coast Guard Auxiliary Vessel Examiner Glenn Rosera helps a boat owner check his life preservers.  

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