The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary will conduct a Mass Vessel
Examination or “Vessel Safety Checks” for recreational watercraft from 10AM-2PM this Saturday at Crooked Creek Lake Park in Manor Township.
The Auxiliary’s Vessel Safety Check program helps boaters achieve
voluntary compliance with federal and state recreational boating safety
laws,particularly regarding the carriage of safety equipment. It also raises
boaters awareness of safety issues through one-on-one contact by volunteer vessel examiners.
With this knowledge, it is hoped that recreational boaters will become more involved
in maintaining and operating their boats in a safe manner, taking safety courses to
increase their knowledge and skills in boating, and promoting safe boating practices
to others.
Vessel Safety Checks or VSCs are generally performed on recreational boats under 65
feet long. Vessel Safety Check requirements parallel federal and individual state
regulations regarding equipment and safety conditions of the vessel.
A VSC is not a law enforcement action. No official report is made to any law
enforcement authority. The Vessel Safety Check is performed only with the consent of
the owner or operator, who must be present at the time of the examination.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the civilian volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard and assists the service in nearly all its missions, except for military and direct law enforcement.