Vessel Safety Checks of Sea Scout boats

Summary
Boy Scouts of America safety standards require that all vessels, whether owned by BSA or by others, that are used in a BSA aquatics program must have an annual Vessel Safety Check (VSC). VSCs are conducted by CG qualified Vessel Examiners, and are most often Coast Guard Auxiliarists or members of the U.S. Power Squadrons. Conducting a VSC annually serves as a safety check to ensure that Scout boats are properly equipped, and also provides the Vessel Examiner an opportunity to discuss and promote recreational boating safety. It is also an excellent opportunity to promote the Coast Guard Auxiliary to the Sea Scouts and their leaders.

Lessons learned
 For Sea Scout leaders -- Contact a local Vessel Examiner early in the year, ideally before the boating season gets busy. If no Vessel Examiners are listed in the VE database, contact your local Coast Guard Auxiliary flotilla to request a vessel examination. Depending on the size of your vessel, the Vessel Safety Check may take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. Provided that the Vessel Examiner has the time, take the opportunity to ask questions. For Vessel Examiners -- Contact the local Sea Scout Ships to offer a Vessel Safety Check. Remember to bring a copy of the Federal Requirements & Safety Tips for Recreational Boats publication, as well as information about your flotilla to the VSC. Be prepared to answer questions about recreational boating safety and about the Coast Guard Auxiliary. The Ship's (unit's) Skipper is the unit leader and is the best place to start. Don't assume that you will be contacted. Be sure to alert the Skipper about upcoming public education opportunities in your area. 

Auxiliary Resources

 * Vessel Safety Check website
 * Virtual Vessel Safety Check
 * On-Line Lookup: Vessel Safety Check Examiners Database
 * VSC Video Loop
 * Print PSA for VSC — “No Accident”
 * Print PSA for VSC — “Thanks”
 * Customizable VSC Press Release

The following promotional literature can be downloaded and reproduced locally:


 * Promote BSA Safety Afloat with a Free Vessel Safety Check

Scout Resources

 * Sea Scouts BSA
 * BSA Safe Boating/Sailing Standards
 * Sea Scout Ships in the United States
 * Local Council Locator

Contributed by
[mailto:stevedalex@msn.com Steve Alexander], FSO-MT, 5th District (Southern Region), Flotilla 24-2