The following is a public service announcement for Safe Boating Week: Sunday...
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...Vessel Safety Checks... The following is a safe boating message from the National Safe Boating Council This boating season, make sure that you take advantage of the Vessel Safety Check (VSC), program – a free, no risk, service provided in your area by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and the US Power Squadrons. A qualified vessel examiner will conduct an inspection of all the required safety equipment carried or installed on a vessel and certain aspects of the vessel’s overall condition. Even if you pay careful attention to safety, dangerous mechanical problems can crop up on the best-maintained boat. That's why the U.S. Coast Guard recommends that all recreational boats (including personal watercraft) get a free VSC each year. A VSC is your best way of learning about conditions that might put you in violation of state or federal laws or, worse, create an unsafe condition for you or your passengers on the water. Be prepared for any emergency when you are afloat. Get a free vessel safety check to ensure that your vessel complies with both Federal and State requirements. If the vessel meets all requirements, the examiner will award a Vessel Safety Check decal. If your vessel fails to receive a VSC decal, no law enforcement action is taken and the examiner will provide a list of items for correction. This message was brought to you by the National Weather Service and the National Safe Boating Council. Visit the National Weather Service on the web at www.weather.gov and the National Safe Boating Council at www.safeboatingcouncil.org