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How to Schedule a Courtesy Vessel Safety Check

 

A Vessel Safety Check is a bow to stern safety check of your boat conducted by trained vessel examiners designed to help you be safer on the water.  This is a free public service of the US Coast Guard offered by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Federal, state and local regulations require certain safety equipment be carried onboard your boat. Items such as fire extinguishers, life jackets, visual distress signals, backfire flame control, navigation lights, and proper display of numbers are just a few of the items checked.

Some topics discussed include accident reporting, filing float plans, fueling, survival, weather and sea conditions, handling emergencies, formal boater education, and other safe practices on the water.

The Solomons flotilla performs vessel safety examinations throughout Southern Maryland. Our Flotilla Vessel Examination Staff Officer can assist you with a free vessel examination in Southern Maryland.  Vessel Safety Checks are free and confidential.  They can be performed at your dock or at your home.  Vessels do not need to be in the water. Our Vessel Examiner will work with you to ensure your boat is ready for the boating season. The examiner can also tell you about scheduled Vessel Safety Check days at local marinas and boat ramps. 

Contact us by email at I Want a Free Vessel Safety Exam! for your free courtesy vessel safety examination.

You can see all Vessel Safety Check requirements, conduct your own virtual Vessel Safety Check or request a Vessel Safety Check outside the Southern Maryland area by visiting the National Site.

What's In it For Me?


Vessels passing safety checks are awarded a U.S. Coast Guard / Auxiliary Decal that informs the

Coast Guard / Auxiliary, Harbor Patrol, Sheriff's & Police, and other boating law-enforcement & safety agencies that your boat was in full compliance with all Federal and State boating laws during a safety check for that year.

Best of all - every Vessel Safety Check is 100% Free of charge!

What if I Don't Pass?

All Vessel Safety Checks are confidential. They are just between you and the Vessel Examiner.  If your boat does not pass, no citation is issued.  Instead, you are provided a written report describing how to correct any discrepancies.