PHOTO COURTESY OF BOATUS.COM
No cost, no penalty vessel safety checks are ramping up again this year after efforts were put on pause last year due to the pandemic. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadrons are making an effort to get volunteers back in the field, and are also providing ways to do your own safety check virtually.
Boaters can perform a DIY virtual safety check by downloading the virtual safety checklist online along with the online guide, which makes it easy for boaters to do a safety check that can prevent future accidents, give first-time boaters a step-by-step guide to making their boat safe, and increase the chances of your boat passing an in-person vessel safety check.
For boaters who want to earn a vessel safety check decal, an in-person check is required. Call your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadrons to find out if your local marina, boat club or launch is hosting a scheduled safety check event, or request an individual vessel safety check online.
To learn more, visit cgaux.org/vsc.
