Vessel Safety Checks of Scout Camp boats

Sailing at summer camp

Summary

Most Scout camps have an aquatics program, generally referred to as the waterfront. Camp waterfronts are very professionally operated, and usually include one or more of the following activities: swimming, lifesaving, canoeing, rowing, small-boat sailing, kayaking. A typical Scout camp waterfront will involve dozens of watercraft, mostly under 18 feet in length.

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 Scouts and their leaders.

Lessons learned

1. For Camp Rangers -- 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 vessels, the Vessel Safety Check may take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour each.
2. For Vessel Examiners -- Contact the local Scout Council to offer Vessel Safety Checks a their Scout camp. The best time of year for this is before camp opens in June. You will want to talk to the person responsible for the council's camps or property. The Ranger is the adult responsible for the camp and is a good person to start with. Remember to bring copies of the Federal Requirements & Safety Tips for Recreational Boats publication, as well as information about your flotilla. Be prepared to answer questions about recreational boating safety and about the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Don't assume that you will be contacted. Be sure to alert the Ranger 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

• Local Council Locator
  • Guide to Safe Scouting
  • BSA Safe Boating/Sailing Standards

Contributed by

Bruce Johnson, FSO-MT, 5th District (Southern Region), Flotilla 22-2