What are Vessel Safety Checks (VSCs)
and
Why should I have one?
A Vessel Safety Check is a free examination of your boat performed by a trained examiner. This exam is designed to ensure that your boat is as safe as possible and equipped with the required safety devices.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, as well as local Power Squadrons, perform this valuable service for FREE. Most State Waterways Patrolmen and the United States Coast Guard itself will also examine your boat as part of their on-the-water boarding check of your vessel. The difference is that if they
find something wrong, it could result in a citation and/or a fine.
When we check your boat, you will receive a Decal indicating that your vessel has been examined (if it passes) or you will receive an explanation
as to why it failed and suggestions on how you might correct the problems.
That's it! NO fines, NO citations. If your boat did fail, we will be happy to re-examine it after you make the corrections.
Obviously then, one good reason to have a VSC from us is to save money!
In a recent year, the PA Fish & Boat Commission collected $235,788.00 in fines and penalties. We are sure that you can find a better use for your
hard earned cash than paying a boating fine!
An even greater (and much more valuable) benefit is the Safety Factor.
Most of the equipment requirements were put in place because they are proven to prevent boating mishaps and/or increase your chances of
survival while minimizing the potential for injuries. An adjunct to the VSCs
and
Why should I have one?
A Vessel Safety Check is a free examination of your boat performed by a trained examiner. This exam is designed to ensure that your boat is as safe as possible and equipped with the required safety devices.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, as well as local Power Squadrons, perform this valuable service for FREE. Most State Waterways Patrolmen and the United States Coast Guard itself will also examine your boat as part of their on-the-water boarding check of your vessel. The difference is that if they
find something wrong, it could result in a citation and/or a fine.
When we check your boat, you will receive a Decal indicating that your vessel has been examined (if it passes) or you will receive an explanation
as to why it failed and suggestions on how you might correct the problems.
That's it! NO fines, NO citations. If your boat did fail, we will be happy to re-examine it after you make the corrections.
Obviously then, one good reason to have a VSC from us is to save money!
In a recent year, the PA Fish & Boat Commission collected $235,788.00 in fines and penalties. We are sure that you can find a better use for your
hard earned cash than paying a boating fine!
An even greater (and much more valuable) benefit is the Safety Factor.
Most of the equipment requirements were put in place because they are proven to prevent boating mishaps and/or increase your chances of
survival while minimizing the potential for injuries. An adjunct to the VSCs
is a Boating Safety Class. The combination of a Class and a VSC will greatly increase your chances of avoiding an accident in the first place!
Click here to walk through a Virtual VSC
Click here to walk through a Virtual VSC
This is a link to our General VSC Checklist.
And here is a link to our Paddleboat VSC Checklist. Yes, Canoes, Kayaks, etc. are considered "Vessels" too!
We will also do Vessel Safety Checks by appointment.
Please click the VSC Appointment Link to the left for details.
For more information regarding Vessel Safety Checks, please contact our Vessel Safety Check coordinator using the following Link:
