...Vessel Safety Check (VSC)...
The following is a safe boating message from the National Safe Boating Council and the National
Weather Service...
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
you vessel fails to receive a VSC decal, no law enforcement action is taken and the
examiner will provide a list of items for correction.
To learn more, visit the National Safe Boating Council online, at www.safeboatingcouncil.org.
Check www.weather.gov or listen to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards for the latest forecast and warnings.
This message is brought to you by the National Safe Boating Council and the National Weather Service,
reminding you that Safe Boating Week is May 16 through the 22nd.
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www.weather.gov 
