USCG Auxiliary Vessel Safety Check Pre-check list

Alyssa Jean

Vessel Safety Check (VSC) Required Equipment List. Pre vessel exam check off list

NUMBERING-- Proper spacing, 3” contrasting block letters/numbers ONLY. Must have a space or – between letters and numbers displayed on forward half of the vessel. Ex. WN 2696 LR or WN-2696-LR

REGISTRATION or DOCUMENTATION—Current papers must be on board.

NAVIGATION LIGHTS—Must be operational and show proper configuration for size and type of vessel.

SOUND PRODUCING DEVICE—Horn/whistle if < 65 ft (20M) . Horn/whistle and bell if >65 ft.

LIFE JACKETS—One wearable in serviceable condition for each occupant, minimum of 2. Boats >16ft also required to have one type IV (Throwable)

FIRE EXTINGUISHER—Minimum for size & type of boat. Halon, FE241, and CO2 require current inspection tag (inspected within 1 year) Dry Chemical no tag required for most boats.

VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS (VDS) INTERNATIONAL—Minimum of 3 unexpired day/night combination flares, or other approved signals.

VENTILATION—For closed compartments with potential for explosive vapors, and an ignition source. Installed blower must work. Warning decal posted at helm. (Not required for diesel engines or outboards)

BACKFIRE FLAME ARRESTOR—Gasoline engines. Approved type, tight installation and clean. Not required for diesel or outboards.

FUEL SYSTEM—Tanks secure. Over 7 gal. capacity are considered permanent and must be grounded and vented. Hoses in good condition, no leaks.

ALTERNATE PROPULSION—Vessels under 16 ft, paddle or oar.

DEWATERING DEVICE—Electric bilge pumps must work, plus extra manual bailer, (bucket or hand pump).

OVERALL VESSEL CONDITION—Bilge and equipment space clean, well maintained. Not overloaded or overpowered, and no automotive electrical parts.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS—Batteries secure, TERMINALS COVERED, well organized, proper fuses/circuit breakers.

GALLEY/HEATING SYSTEMS—Secure system, proper tank installation, No flammable material nearby. New style propane tank valves.

STATE REQUIREMENTS—complies with all state safety requirements per WA Boaters Guide.

MARINE SANITATION DEVICE—Approved device, inadvertant overboard discharge sealed at “Y” valve or closed seacock.

PLACARDS—MARPOL TRASH and OIL POLLUTION required on vessels >26 ft. Written TRASH PLAN for vessels >39.4 ft. Properly posted.

NAV RULES—Vessels >12M (39.4 ft) are required to have a copy of USCG Nav Rules on board.

CARBON MONOXIDE WARNING LABEL-All power boats. Must be posted so visible to all occupants.

On edit by Da Nag
Length corrections

thataway · Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2008 10:22 pm Post subject:

David,
You might want to check your greater than and less than signs.

I was not aware of the Carbon monoxide label requirement. Can you cite a CFR?

In reality if one is going there, then a carbon monoxide detector should be included. I know that some states require the CO sticker ref to the transom, as well as the helm --also some require a prop warning sticker etc...

Is the CO a NMMA requirement?--Of course any older C Dory boat is not NMMA certified.

Alyssa Jean · Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2008 10:42 pm Post subject:

Yes, the greater than and less than are not correct. I never quite got that in HS algebra or whatever math class that was in. I thought I had it finally figured out. Unfortunately I can't go in and edit the thing now. Should have put it in a few weeks ago and been able to edit it for a few days. (Bill/Mike, this is not a criticism.)

The CO is a WA State mandated sticker. I should have mentioned that. I put this in mainly for the CBGTG coming up in WA. at Friday Harbor. 40 C-Dorys. WOW. I should have recognized that there are other states in the union. WA><>>><< than other states.??

mwilson · Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2008 10:52 pm Post subject: inspection

Thanks for posting this it is always a good reminder to go through the list. I have a question on the electrical. What exactly does terminals covered mean? I assume this to prevent accidental arcing? michael

Da Nag · Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2008 11:16 pm Post subject:

Larry H · Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2008 11:19 pm Post subject:

I think that California also requires the CO sticker.

Alyssa Jean · Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2008 11:40 pm Post subject:

IT-SEA-BIT-C · Guest

Is it illegal to run a gen set underway without a wet exhaust ? (say like a small honda suitcase model ) thought i heard that somewhere- just currious ? thanks john

marvin4239 · Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2008 10:39 am Post subject:

I got stopped by Marine Patrol last week just north of Blue Springs. He rafted up to us and the only things he checked were the horn, wearable life vest. throwable life preserver and fire extinguisher plus registration. While rafted up the fumes from his 200 HP E-Tec which he left idling were so bad I was sick for pretty much the remainder of the day. My GF (who doesn't know when to keep her mouth shut) asked the officer if his engine was a diesel because it stunk.

Pat Anderson · Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2008 11:21 am Post subject:

I have never heard this one before, and C-Dory did not deliver the boat with any battery terminal covers. No prior VSC inspection included battery terminal covers. Is this a new requirement, and what kind do you have on Anna Leigh?

CW · Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2008 11:28 am Post subject:

Here in S.W. Washington, it is the expired annual sticker that gets their attention and they seem to care the most about. They've got to get their taxes. A WA state Boater's card is already required for children to drive a boat, each year the age limit required to have it climbs. I took the 7 week version of the CG Auxillary class but does that count? No, I've got more hoops to jump through and fees to pay. I was glad to see that I've still have everything on that list. C.W.

Alyssa Jean · Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2008 12:55 pm Post subject:

I didn't have any either on the battery. All you really need to do is cover the positive terminals so they are protected. I cut the bottom off of a plastic container and attached it over the positive.

I must have missed seeing them when I did yours last year. I'll make sure I don't miss it this year.

Overload · Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2008 2:41 pm Post subject:

David,

Many thanks for your time and efforts helping the "Brats". What a great service! You'll be a busy man at Friday Harbor! Since I was going to ask you for an inspection anyway and this will be my first attendance at a gathering (I hope) I plan to take advantage of your service.

Again, thanks for the list and your time helping us all!

Doug DeVore
Lil' Brother

Captains Cat · Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2008 6:45 pm Post subject:

Many of us have our batteries in a box with a cover on it. I assume this will meet the requirement. Not a bad idea anyway as they usually come with hold downs and a strap!

Charlie

thataway · Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2008 7:27 pm Post subject:

ABYC and NMMA require that terminals be covered. (all terminals). Yes, that is to prevent arcing or a short/fire.

When I got my Tom Cat, that was one of the first items I noticed and called the factory. Eventually they did get certification--but it was only last year I believe. So any of the 2008 boats should be up to ABYC standards.

California does require CO labels by the swim step, (to avoid teak surfing) at the helm, and in an enclosed cabin.

Thanks!