USCG Auxiliary Vessel Safety Check Pre-check list

A

Alyssa Jean

New member
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
 
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.
 
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.??
 
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
 
What exactly does terminals covered mean
Click to expand...

Exactly right. The battery terminals must have a cover over them so you can't drop the crescent wrench across them and/or a ground and create a REAL problem.

And Thanks Bill for fixing things when they need to be fixed.
 
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
 
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.
 
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?


Anna Leigh":1ybx3npn said:
What exactly does terminals covered mean
Click to expand...

Exactly right. The battery terminals must have a cover over them so you can't drop the crescent wrench across them and/or a ground and create a REAL problem.

And Thanks Bill for fixing things when they need to be fixed.
Click to expand...
 
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.
 
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.
 
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
 
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
 
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!
 
hi guys
tacoma outboard association will be hosting coast guard safety inspections for all boats on april 5th. just bring your boat on down. 8am to early afternoon. great way to get your 2008 stickers!!!!!!! :D
 
CW":1kcd23ko said:
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.
Click to expand...

CW, all you've got to do is complete a short form, send a copy of your CG Aux Class card and $10 and they'll send you the Wa. State Boater Education Card. Too bad you're not an old guy like me.... as anyone born before Jan 1, 1955 doesn't need one (and I definitely was born a while before then :wink ).
However, just for grins and to help keep the State of Washington solvent with their seemingly endless desire for more tax money from us, I sent a photo copy of my CG card and The $10 fee.

For further info, go to www.parks.wa.gov/boating

Applications are available at the above web site.
 
An analogy would be paying for drivers education and then having to spend $30-40 for an 8 year drivers license. Unfortunately there is always a small percentage of the boating public that can't seem to figure out some of the rules to safe boating on their own. So enter the state(s).
$10 for a life time card is a pretty good deal. At 64, I have one.
 
Dave,

thanks for the link. I'll put it on my thing to do list within the next month (comes after getting a new 2008-09 WDFW combination fresh & salt water fishing, clamming and combination hunting license - our 2007-08 expires at the end of March). Ever since I got a ticket for driving a car without a valid registration and proof of insurance in it (my wife's car - we had both, she just didn't move the paperwork) it has been decided that I'll be the one to keep all of family's i's dotted and t's crossed legally with the state's permits, fees, and stickers. I can only wonder how long it will be until my chainsaw, weedeater, barbecue and John Deer mower will also require a registration, sticker and carbon monoxide permit. Undoubtedly our "herd" of two goat's produce some of that too so I'll have to get them tatooed, inspected and updated state sanctioned bodypiercing tags. C.W.
 
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