Is your boat equipped for a safe summer boating season? BoatU.S. and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary are making it easy to find out by offering free boat safety checks on Saturday, June 2 at most BoatU.S. Marine Centers around the U.S. Further, if you require life jackets, flares or other safety-related items, you can purchase them while you're there at a discount after the check is completed.
The Vessel Safety Check program is a joint effort of the BoatU.S., U.S. Power Squadrons and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary to verify the presence and operable condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations. Trained, certified examiners will also answer any questions you may have about safe boating and local educational programs.
Most trailerable boats, which can be brought to the participating BoatU.S. Marine Centers, can be checked in minutes. All boaters will receive an evaluation form, and boats that meet safety requirements will receive a Vessel Safety Check decal. If replacement or additional safety items are needed to successfully meet the requirements, they can be purchased at a discount at any BoatU.S. Marine Center by showing the VSC form.
If your boat is in the water, a Vessel Safety Check can be arranged by appointment. For more information about the VSC program, contact the BoatU.S. Marine Center nearest you or go online to www.BoatUS.com to get a list of all participating stores. For a preview of the safety requirements, visit the official Vessel Safety Check web site at www.national-vsc-day.org.
BoatU.S. also offers a free online safety course taken by more than 150,000 boaters at BoatUS.com. For a limited time, everyone completing the course will be automatically entered into a drawing for various prizes, including a JRC radio or inflatable life jackets. With more than 530,000 members, BoatU.S. is the world's largest organization of recreational boaters.
Posted: 5-31-2001
