Vessel Safety Checks - All You Need To Know !!
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 encounter. 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.
If you would like to arrange for a free Vessel Safety Check, anywhere in the harbors near Darien, contact Jim Walsh at (203) 966 2670 or by e-mail: sailorman42@yahoo.com.
Further information on this valuable program is available from our National Organization's Web Site: Click HERE: VeSC National
Here's What's Needed To Pass A Vessel Safety Check !!
Current Registration/Documentation Papers
- Registered boat: state-issued numbers and current decal permanently affixed to forward half of vessel
- Documented boat: current state decal permanently affixed to forward half of vessel & documentation numbers permanently affixed to interior
CT Safe Boating Certificate (CT requirement)
PFDs
- One USCG-approved life jacket appropriately sized for each person on board plus one throwable
Visual Distress Signals (flares)
- Minimum of 3 unexpired day/night flares
Fire Extinguishers
- Less than 26'—1 BI
- 26' - 40' — 2 BI or 1 BII
- 40' - 65' — 3 BI or 1 BII & 1 BI
Gas Powered Inboard/IO Vessels only
- Blower & ducts
- Backfire flame control
Sound-Producing Device
- Horn
- Bell if over 26' (CT requirement)
Navigation Lights & Anchor Light
- Red/green lights forward
- White light visible 360° (combo or all-around)
- 360° all-around anchor light
*Pollution Placard 26'+
*Marpol Trash Placard 26 Color '+
*
Trash-Management Plan 40'+
( * We have copies to give you if you need them)
Marine Sanitation Device (head)
- Any installed head must be USCG-approved
Navigation Rules
- Complete copy of nav rules are required onboard vessels over 39.4'
Good over-all condition of vessel as applies to safety
The free Vessel Safety Check Program is offered as a service to the recreational boating community.
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