Getting a Vessel Safety Check Can Make You Feel Better!
A vessel safety check can make you feel better by ensuring that you have all required safety equipment accessible and in good working order and that you are prepared for an unexpected emergency. That all let’s you to enjoy a day on the water with confidence and peace of mind.
You’re also prepared to breeze through a surprise safety check by law enforcement. With all required safety gear on board—and a boat operator who is qualified (proof of Boating Safety Course completion) and is unimpaired by drugs or alcohol—you’ll be on your way in a jiffy.
Both the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Sail and Power Squadron provide FREE vessel safety checks to SML boaters. The process usually takes only 15 minutes or so, and having it done at the start of the season is a great way to make sure all required safety items are present and ship-shape.
A safety check just might discover there’s a running light out or that a piece of required equipment has not found its way back to the boat after being removed for winter storage. You may not notice that your fire extinguisher is out of date or has been recalled or an inflatable PFD is suspect, but your inspector will. There’s no penalty for an infraction; you’ve simply found out that something needs attention to get your vessel in full safety readiness.
While vessel safety checks are available anytime by request, an especially convenient opportunity is approaching. Safety inspectors will be available at Bridgewater Marina and Goodhue Boat Company (formerly Crazy Horse Marina) May 17-18, coinciding with the start of National Safe Boating Week. Either location makes for an ideal (and productive) destination for an early-season shakedown cruise, and you’ll feel better about boating on Memorial Day weekend your free vessel safety check accomplished!
If you can’t make it that weekend, schedule a check at your convenience—at a marina, at your dock or even for a trailered boat in your driveway. On-line contacts for setting up appointments are:
- U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary: cgaux.org/vsc
- U.S. Sail and Power Squadron: americasboatingclub.org
National Safe Boating Week slogan: “Boating is fun; safer boating is more fun”
Photo: National Safe Boating Council
