Coast Guard Auxiliary Vessel Examination Checklist

Alyssa Jean

For those interested who would like to do a pre-check prior to having your vessel examined, here are two sites where you can get information and download the form used by the CGAUX.

Form at:
http://forms.cgaux.org/archive/a7012.pdf

General information at:
http://www.safetyseal.net/what_is_vsc.asp

Old Dog · Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2007 7:23 pm Post subject:

Thanks - we have been boarded and inspected in the past with no problems but it's nice to know what they are looking for.

colobear · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 1:36 am Post subject:

Thanks for posting those Dave

ffheap · Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 5:04 pm Post subject:

Hi Folks,

I am a USCGAux Member and do Boating Exams. The USPS is also doing them.

THIS FOLKS IS ONE OF THE FEW FREE BOATING EXPERIENCES YOU CAN DO.

It can be done while the boat is on the trailer. The owner or operator has to be there when it is done.

"Why should I do a boating exam?"

1 It's free.
2 It is educational.
3. It can save you a lot of headaches if you are boarded.

"What does it cover?"

It covers all the things that are listed plus the additional state requirements. Among them are a paddle, anchor, bell, etc.

"What do I get if I pass the exam?"

A decal to stick on your port window telling every Coastee, State boating and local boating officer that you are a responsible, caring yachtsmen, and a smile and a wave. (They have enough to do that it would be a waste of time to board with a person like you..

"What happens if I do not pass the exam?"

You will be told why you did not pass. Usually out-of-date flares, incorrect information on you registration, Running lights that do not work, and a missing state requirement (like a Bell for a boat over 26' in Massachusetts.)

Good Luck, and Happy Boating.

Fred Heap USCGAux and USPS Member, and a VE.

Island Ranger · Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 9:30 pm Post subject:

Thanks Fred - good summary!

I think you need to come and give us a hand doing VEs during our Lopez gathering. Think you can get travel orders? Laughing

I'd highlight that one thing we don't do is tell anyone if a boat doesn't pass. No tickets, no nothing.

Mac
Member - USCGAux
VFC - 130-01-08
Everett / South Whidbey Flotilla

ffheap · Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2007 12:08 pm Post subject:

Thank You Mac,

It is important that they know that it is between the Vessel Examiner and the boat owner. We do not have a direct discussion with the USCG or the State Boating Officers on individual boats.

What the USCGAux and the USPS wants is for everybody to have an exam and pass the exam. It makes for Safe Boating.

Fred