Free Vessel Safety Check

A Vessel Safety Check is a courtesy examination of your boat (Vessel) to verify the presence and condition of certain Safety Equipment required by State and Federal regulations. America's Boating Club of the Pamlico Vessel Examiner is a trained specialist and a member of the United States Power Squadrons®, known as America's Boating Club®. They will make certain recommendations and discuss safety issues that will make you a safer boater.

This is not a "boarding" or a law enforcement issue.  No citations are given as a result of this encounter, simply suggestions to improve your safe boating experience. We will supply you with a copy of our evaluation so that you may follow the suggestions given. Vessels that pass will be able to display the distinctive VSC decal. This does not exempt you from law enforcement boarding, but you will be prepared to make any boarding a positive encounter.Pictured to the left is Fred Schroeder and below on the right is Bill Ramsden conducting Vessel Safety Inspections.

The following will be covered when our Inspectors conduct your Free Vessel Safety Check utilizing America's Boating Club® VSC Pre-Check List:

• Required Boating and Safety Equipment
• Display of required numbers
• Registration and Documentation
• Personal Flotation Devices (PFD’s)
• Visual Distress Signals (VDS or flares)
• Fire Extinguishers
• Ventilation
• Backfire Flame Control
• Sound Producing Devices
• Navigation Lights
• Pollution Placard (vessels of 26+ feet)
• Marpol Trash Placard (vessels of 26+ feet)
• Marine Sanitation Device (head)
• State Regulations
• Navigation Rules
• Overall Vessel Condition (Deck free of Hazzards, Electrical/Fuel Systems, Galley/Heating Systems

Prior to scheduling or attending a Vessel Safety Check, you can read about doing a self-exam to check your own boat.Simply Click Here.

Many insurance companies offer additional discounts as a result of passing a Vessel Safety Check.

The VSC Inspectors conduct over 100 inspections annually and hope to reach more in 2024 contributing to boating safety in our local waters.  ABC-Pamlico has scheduled a number of Free Vessel Safety Check Events, review our Calendar to find the one closest to you.  Or, call any one of the following ABC-Pamlico Inspectors located in the Washington, NC area for an appointment or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Visit us on Facebook to learn when the next Vessel Safety Inspection Event is scheduled near you.