The New London Power Squadron in a cooperative effort with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary will give vessel safety checks aboard your boat free of charge.
A Vessel Safety Check is a courtesy examination of your boat (Vessel) to verify the presence and condition of certain Safety Equipment required by State and the Federal regulations. The Vessel Examiner is a trained specialist and is a member of the United States Power Squadrons or the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. They will also make certain recommendations and discuss certain safety issues that will make you a safer boater.
This is not boarding or a law enforcement issue. No citations will be given as a result of this exam. You won't get a ticket. We will supply you with a copy of our evaluation so that you may follow some of the suggestions given. Vessels that pass will be able to display our distinctive VSC decal. This does not exempt you from law enforcement boarding, but you can be prepared to make this a positive encounter.The VSC Program also helps to achieve voluntary compliance with federal and state recreational boating safety laws, particularly with regard to the carriage of safety equipment while raising boater awareness about safety and environmental issues through voluntary contact by a Vessel Examiner (VE). VE discussions with recreational boaters is designed to motivate maintaining and operating their boats in a safe manner, taking boating safety courses to increase their knowledge and skills in boating, and promoting safe boating.
VSC Movie
To see a brief movie on Vessel Safety checks click on the link to the left. This excerpt is taken from the US Power Squadron's DVD entitled 2nd National Safe Boating Test.
A Vessel Saftey Check is a free check of a vessel's equipment for compliance with federal, state and local safety requirements. Some of the items we check are listed below:
¨We may be able to prevent you from getting a citation (ticket) for safety violations by making sure your vessel meets all federal, state and local requirements; ¨We can help youidentify educational and equipment related discounts on your boating insurance; ¨We can increase your awareness of safety practices to avoid accidents and costly breakdowns.
¨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
To prepare for a Vessel Safety Check and take your boat through a Virtual Vessel Safety Check Click Here
I want to get a Vessel Safety Check
I keep my boat in the town of East Lyme, New London, Waterford, Groton or Stonington and wish to schedule a vessel safety check from the New London Power Squadron.
I do not keep my boat in East Lyme, New London, Waterford, Groton or Stonington and wish to use the National Site to schedule a Vessel Safety Check by Zip code
