Do You Have Yours Yet?

The Vessel Safety Check (VSC) Program is one of prevention through education, outreach and volunteer compliance, helping recreational boaters to gain a respect for the boating environment. The VSC Program encourages voluntary compliance with federal and state recreational boating safety laws - particularly with regard to the carriage of safety equipment, while raising boater awareness about safety & environmental issues through voluntary contact by a Vessel Examiner (VE). VE discussion with recreational boaters is designed to motivate boaters to:

• …maintain and operate their boats in a safe manner,
  
• …take boating safety courses to increase their knowledge and skills in boating, and
  
• …promote safe boating.

Above is the “fancy description” about the Vessel Safety Check Program - the same safety check that the Coast Guard and other governmental agencies conduct. The point of it all is to help YOU, the boater, know that your boat has the minimum equipment to operate safely. This is the time of year when we are getting ready for the boating season. The examiner is not concerned with housekeeping or neatness; he wants to look at fire extinguishers , PFDs, etc.

If you are interested in reviewing the safety checklist, we can provide this form to you. The safety checks are renewed every calendar year. When you are ready for a check, please contact one of the following SBYC members for an inspection! Click to e-mail: vesselcheck@sequimbayyachtclub.org

• BILL RUSSELL
  
• TED SHANKS
• HARVEY SMITH