Division 20,  New River Flotilla 20-01

Eastern North Carolina

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Vessel Safety Check Program

The Vessel Safety Check Program ( VSCP ) is a service provided to owners or operators of privately owned recreation motorboats; certain federal, state, and local government owned motorboats, and certain other boats less than 65 feet in length, which do not come under the provisions of the Coast Guard inspection and certification program. Only those Auxiliarists who have been specially qualified as Vessel Examiners (VE ) may make Vessel Safety Checks. An Examination will be made only with the consent of , and in the presence of, the owner or operator of a vessel. It is made solely as a helpful service to the boating public. If a boat does not pass a Vessel Safety Check, no violation report is made to the Coast Guard or to any law enforcement agency. While the vessel examiner checks boats for federal requirements, as a member of a volunteer organization, the examiner will also check for requirements, that are over and beyond federal and state minimum requirements. The intent of the Vessel Safety Check Program is to provide a check point at which the public can request an examination of safety related items required by federal and state law to be carried onboard their vessel. In addition certain additional safety items are recommended by the Coast Guard Auxiliary. The Vessel Safety Check Program (VSCP) actively promotes boating safety by using trained Auxiliary volunteers to educate the boater through a direct, face to face boating safety information exchange with the owner operator, and providing instruction on equipment to be carried on board and other matters affecting safety. Federal and local equipment regulations and Auxiliary " VSC" requirements are explained as well as other matters of interest. Vessels that pass the Vessel Safety Check Program will receive the VSC Decal.