1. Initial VSC Training Program
Purpose
To qualify members of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and the
United States Power Squadrons as Vessel Examiners
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2. Chapter 1 one of three Definitions The VSC Program The Vessel Examiner
The Vessel Safety Check
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3. Chapter 1 two of three Vessels eligible for the VSC
Vessels NOT eligible for the VSC
Activities beyond the scope of the VSC
Relations with Law Enforcement officials
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4. Chapter 1 three of three District supervision of the VSC Program
VSC performed outside your home District
Vessel Examiner qualifications
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5. Chapter 2 – Vessel Safety Check Techniques
This chapter addresses the techniques that the Vessel Examiner should be aware of and adhere to when performing a Vessel Safety Check
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6. Chapter Two one of two The Vessel Examiner Educational Materials
Exchange Boating Information
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7. Chapter Two two of two Conducting the VSC Awarding the VSC Decal
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8. Chapter 3 – The VSC Decal Requirements
This chapter focuses on what the Vessel Examiner and the boater need to understand to ensure the safety of the boat and its passengers.
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9. Coast Guard Approved and Certified Equipment
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10. Letters and numbers must be:
At least 3” high.
Block-type letters.
Color contrast with hull color.
Space or hyphen between letters and numbers equal to the width of another letter except “I”.
Attached to forward half of the boat.
State decal is placed according to the requirements of the state of registration.
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11. Boat Numbers FL 1234 AB FL 1234 AB FL1234AB FL-1234-AB FL 1234 AB
PLACEMENT
Painted or Attached
to Each Side of Bow
Always Read Left to Right
CHARACTERS
Block not less than
3 inches high
FL AB
COLOR
Must be of a Color
Contrasting to the
Background
SPACING
Hyphen or Equivalent Space
Between 3 Parts of Number
FL AB
FL-1234-AB
FL1234AB
FL AB
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12. Most Power Driven Vessels Must Be (see exceptions)
Registered or
Documented
Review the exceptions
Registration or Documentation paper must be onboard while underway and during the VSC
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13. The Legal Paperwork one of two
State Registration
Must be registered in the state of principal use.
Vessel numbers are obtained from the State
Vessel numbers remain with the vessel after it is sold.
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14. The Legal Paperwork two of two
Documented Vessel
5 or more net tons.
Pleasure use only.
Owner must be US Citizen.
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15. Hull Identification Number
HIN
Usually on Starboard Side of Transom
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16. Hull Identification Number
MANUFACTURERS
I.D. CODE
HULL SERIAL
NUMBER
DATE OF
CERTIFICATION
Before July 31, 1984
Since August 1, 1984
A B C M E
MANUFACTURERS
I.D. CODE
HULL SERIAL
NUMBER
OPTIONAL METHOD
DATE OFCERTIFICATION
A B C A
MANUFACTURERS
I.D. CODE
HULL SERIAL
NUMBER
DATE OF
CERTIFICATION
MODEL
YEAR
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17. Measuring the Length of Boats
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18. Personal Flotation Devices (Life Jackets) one of two
Must Be Coast Guard approved and suitable size for wearer
For boats Less than 16’
One wearable for each person
For boats 16’ and longer
PLUS one throwable on the boat
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19. Personal Flotation Devices (Life jackets) two of two
Wearable life jackets
Readily accessible
Throwable PFDs
Immediately available
All life jackets/PFDs
Good and serviceable condition
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20. 29 August, 2004

21. Type I Offshore Jacket 22 Pounds Flotation
Will turn most unconscious people face up
Acceptable on all recreational boats and commercial vessels
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22. Type II Near Shore Buoyant Vest
15.5 Pounds Flotation
May turn most unconscious people face up
Acceptable on all recreational boats
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23. Type III Flotation Aid 15.5 Pounds Flotation
Many special designs for water sports
Acceptable on all recreational boats
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24. Type IV Throwable Designed to be thrown, NOT WORN.
Must have on aboard for boats 16 feet or longer.
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25. 29 August, 2004

26. Type V
May provide the performance of Type I, II or III as marked on the label
The label may state “approved only when worn”, if so, it must be worn during the VSC.
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27. Survival Suit
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28. Fully inflatable PFD Must be worn!
May perform as a type II or III when inflated
Manual and/or automatic inflatable
Demonstrate the method of checking this device
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29. Visual Distress Signal Required
Approved VDS for:
All vessels > 16 feet
Operating on the “high seas”, Great Lakes or Coastal & Inland waters of the US
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30. Visual Distress Signal Exemptions
Vessels participating in an organized parade or similar event
A manually propelled boat
Sailboat under 26 feet of open construction and no propulsion equipment (engine)
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31. Visual Distress Signals
Day - Night
Pyrotechnic - Non-Pyrotechnic
Coastal Waters - Great Lakes – Inland Waters
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32. Non Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals
Day
Night
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33. 29 August, 2004

34. 29 August, 2004

35. 29 August, 2004

36. Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals
Day
Smoke
Night
Hand Held Flares
Aerial Flares
Keep Dry - Short burn time
Use only when they might be seen
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37. Visual Distress Signals (VDS)
Daytime Pyrotechnic Devices
Orange Smoke
Hand Held Flares
Aerial Flares
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38. Visual Distress Signals (VDS)
Nighttime Non-Pyrotechnic Devices
Flash Light (SOS)
( hand held flood or
spot lights are acceptable)
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39. Visual Distress Signals (VDS)
Nighttime Pyrotechnic Devices
Hand Held Flare
Aerial Flare
Controlled fire on Boat
(Not Recommended)
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40. Fire Extinguishers Boats required to carry *Review list from manual
Should be checked monthly to insure they are operational
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41. Types of Fires A - Wood, Paper, Cloth B - Oil, Grease, Gasoline
C - Electrical
D - Burning Metal
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42. Fire Extinguishers Must be Coast Guard approved
Coast Guard classification
B-I, B-II
Indicates weight of agent
Type of fire
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43. Types of Fire Extinguishers
Carbon Dioxide
Dry Chemicals
Halon
*Halon replacement such as FE 241 is now
available.
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44. Class B Fire Extinguishers
Coast Guard
Classification
(type-size)
B-I
B-II
Underwriter’s
Laboratory
Listing 5B
10B
Carbon
Dioxide
(lbs.) 4 15
Dry
Chemical
(lbs.) 2 10
Halon
(lbs.)
2.5 10
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45. Minimum Number of Hand Portable Fire Extinguishers With and Without
Fixed Extinguishing Systems
No fixed
system in
machinery space
Fixed fire
extinguishing
system in
machinery space
Length of Vessel
1 B-I
Less than 26 feet
None
2 B-I or 1 B-II
1 B-I
26 ft. to under 40 ft.
3 B-I or
1 B-I and 1 B-II
40 ft. to 65 ft.
2 B-I or 1 B-II
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46. Using a Fire Extinguisher
Pull the safety pin.
Aim the discharge of the
at the base of the flames.
Squeeze the Handle
Sweep the discharge of the
extinguisher from side to side
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47. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
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48. Ventilation System General Precautions: Use your Nose
If you smell gasoline,
DO NOT START THE ENGINE.
Find the source of the leak
and fix it!
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49. Ventilation is not required in open boats. (Engine and Fuel tank are
out in the open.)
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50. Vents
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51. Ventilation Systems
Powered Ventilation Systems
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52. Ventilation Systems
Powered Ventilation Systems
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53. Natural Ventilation
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54. Have Proper Ventilation
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55. Warning Label Warning Gas vapors can explode
Before starting engine, operate blower for four minutes and check engine compartment and bilge for gas vapors
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56. Inboard Gasoline Engines Must Have Backfire Flame Control
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57. Backfire Flame Control
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58. Sound Producing Devices
Electric Horn
Airhorn
Coach’s Whistle
Whistle
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59. Sound Producing Devices
Audibility Range Required:
Less than 65 feet long mile
Longer than 65 feet mile
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60. Added Requirements over 65 ft
Bell
[May apply to shorter vessels by State requirements]
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61. PWC Operator Should Have Whistle Attached To Personal Flotation Device.
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62. Definitions Sidelight Sternlight Towing light All-Around light
Flashing light
Special flashing light
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63. Arc of visibility Port – red 112.5o Starboard – green 112.5o
Stern – white 135o
Masthead – white 225o
Anchor – white 360o
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64. Vessels under 65 feet
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65. Vessels under 39.4 feet may:
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66. Sail <23 feet and Vessel under oars may:
Carry a flashlight or lantern showing a white light that could be displayed in time to prevent a collision
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67. Additional Requirements
Anchor lights
Exclusions
Sailboat when under power is a power boat
Day Shapes
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68. The Federal Water Pollution Control Act
Prohibits the discharge of oil or hazardous substances into U.S. navigable waters.
Vessels longer than 26 feet must display a placard
5 x 8 durable material
In a conspicuous place near bilge pump station and machinery space
See page 25 for details
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69. MARPOL Placards
The Act to Prevent Pollution from ships (MARPOL ANNEX V) places limitations on the discharge of garbage from vessels.
Vessels of 26 feet or longer must display, in a prominent location, a durable, placard at least 4 x 9 inches notifying the crew and passengers of the discharge restrictions
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70. MARPOL Exceptions
Recreational vessels used exclusively in the Great Lakes may use the Annex V placards or a specially developed placard that prohibits the dumping of garbage.
The trash placard is NOT required on inland lakes and sole state waters unless specified by State or Local regulations.
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71. Trash Plan Requirement
Boats 40 ft or longer and equipped with a galley and berthing must have a written Trash Management Plan
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72. MSD Requirements
All recreational vessels with installed toilet facilities MUST have an operable marine sanitation device (MSD) on board. Direct discharge toilets are illegal.
Vessels < 65 feet may install type I, II or III MSD
Vessels 65 feet or longer must install a type II or III MSD
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73. Types of MSD
Type I and Type II devices are waste treatment units and have the ability to discharge overboard.
Type III devices re-circulate waste. They are discharged at a pump out station in a legal dumping area.
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74. No-Discharge Area
A Type I or II MSD must be adequately secured while the vessel is in a no-discharge area to prevent any overboard discharge of treated or untreated sewage.
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75. Carriage of Inland Navigation Rules
The owner or operator of each self-propelled vessel 39.4 feet or longer shall carry on board and maintain for ready reference a complete and current copy of the Navigation Rules.  
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76. State and Local Requirements
 The requirements of the state and local law enforcement jurisdictions where the VSC is conducted will be included in the VSC criteria.
While states may require liability insurance, license restrictions, or specific activity equipment, only equipment directly related to vessel safety or items on the VSC checklist will be considered.
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77. Overall Vessel Condition
The vessel must have a safe overall condition in order to meet the final requirement for the VSC decal.
Following are some applicable items critical to the safety of the vessel and must be acceptable before the VE awards the VSC decal.
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78. Overall Vessel Condition
Deck free of hazards
Clean Bilge
Electrical Systems
Fuel Systems
Galley
Heating System
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79. Electrical and Fuel Systems
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80. Galley and Heating Systems
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81. Chapter 4 – Recommended & Discussion Items
This chapter provides information on items not required by Federal Regulations but strongly recommended for the safety of recreational boaters.
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82. Marine Radio Distress Calls MAYDAY PAN-PAN SECURITY Radio Licenses
Radio Listening Watch
False Distress Signals
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83. Dewatering Devices and Backup
At least one effective dewatering device
Also one manual device such as a pail or hand pump
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84. Mounted Fire Extinguishers
While it is NOT required to mount fire extinguishers, it is recommended that they be mounted in a readily visible and consistent location known to all aboard.
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85. Should Have An Anchor And Line Suitable For
Boat And Boating Area.
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86. First Aid Kits
Boaters are encouraged to carry additional safety equipment including a First Aid Kit. These can be purchased in various sizes, depending on the type of boating a person does (small lakes versus offshore cruising).
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87. Person in Water Kits
A line attached to the PFD or ring thrown to a PIW will provide a means for pulling the Person in the Water back to the vessel.
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88. VDS Onboard for some Inland Use
Although not required for some localities, it is always a good idea to have a way to signal for HELP.
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89. Capacity Plate Information
Outboards
U.S. Coast Guard Capacity Information
Maximum Horse Power
Maximum Persons Capacity
Maximum Weight Capacity
Persons Motor & Gear
Inboards
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90. Capacity Plate for Outboards
U.S. COAST GUARD CAPACITY INFORMATION
MAXIMUM HORSE POWER
MAXIMUM PERSONS CAPACITY (POUNDS)
MAXIMUM WEIGHT CAPACITY
PERSONS MOTOR & GEAR (POUNDS)
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91. Capacity Plate for Inboards
U.S. COAST GUARD CAPACITY INFORMATION
MAXIMUM PERSONS CAPACITY (POUNDS)
MAXIMUM WEIGHT CAPACITY
PERSONS MOTOR & GEAR (POUNDS)
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92. Compliance Plate THIS BOAT COMPLIES WITH U.S. COST GUARD
SAFETY STANDARDS IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF
CERTIFICATION
MODEL NO SERIAL NO.
MFD BY
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93. Discussion Items one of two
a. Accident reporting / Owner responsibility
b. Offshore Operation
c. Nautical Charts / Navigation Aids
d. Survival Tips / First Aid
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94. Discussion Items two of two
e. Fueling / Fuel Mgt.
f. Float Plan / Weather & Sea Conditions
g. Insurance Considerations
h. Boating Check List
i. Safe Boating Classes
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95. Some more topics for discussion
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96. Combustible Fumes Detectors Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Warning Systems
Fire Detectors
Smoke Detectors
Fire Ports
Combustible Fumes Detectors
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Fire Extinguisher Alarms
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97. 29 August, 2004

98. Emergency Gear Bag
Emergency Gear Bag
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99. 29 August, 2004

100. Chapter 5 – Forms and Materials
This chapter provides information on resources and forms applicable to the Vessel Safety Check Program.
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101. Chapter 5 Federal Requirements Pamphlet Coast Guard Infoline
State Requirements
VSC Form 7012
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102. Useful WEB Sites
United States Power Squadrons National Page - USPS.org
CG Auxiliary National Page - CGAUX.org
V Department Page – SafetySeal.net/index3.asp
VSC National Public Page - SafetySeal.net
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103. Thank you for your attention and enjoy the VSC program
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