COMDTINST M16796.8 (11-00) Rev003

1 COMDTINST Director of theVessel Safety Check Program Peter J. Urgola, N-VNational DirectorChief Editor Michael J. Ripton, BC-VTT, BC-TQET echnical Support - Vessel ExaminationsExaminer-Visitor Qualifications TrainingDesigner/Author: John Combs, DVC-VdDeputy Department Chief - Vessel ExaminationsAuthor:CWO2 Anthony Marinelli, USCGP rogram Manager,Chief Director s OfficeEditor: Maxine Cavanaugh, BC-VTRT echnical Research - Vessel ExaminationsEditor: Stf/C Edwin Mraz, SNUnited States Power Squadrons VSC CommitteeCover Design: Donald Wentz, BC-ASBB ranch Chief - Promotional BrochuresFormatting: Roland K.

2 (Bud) Nusly, BC-IIFB ranch Chief - FormsReviewer:CDR Robert Thomson, USCGC hief, Operations Division,Office of Auxiliary (G-OCX-2)Reviewer:John Malatak, ChiefProgram Development and Implementation Division,(G-OPB-2)iCOMDTINST orewordThanks for your forthcoming participation in the VesselSafety Check Program (VSCP). After you have mastered thematerial in this text and completed the required practice Ves-sel Safety Checks (VSCs), you will be qualified as a vessel exam-iner. This qualification enables you to participate fully in thisvaluable safety, outreach and education program.

3 The VSCP provides a great opportunity to learn more about boating safety,characteristics of different boats, and have fun at the same training manual has been completely rewritten by adedicated team of volunteers it is designed to be more userfriendly , with less use of jargon and contains greatly improvedgraphics. It is designed for use by members of the UnitedStates Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGAUX) and our new part-ners, the United States Power Squadrons (USPS ) and others tobe manual covers the requirements for award of the VSCdecal and additional equipment recommended to be carriedaboard recreational boats.

4 It is certainly important that youlearn the details of the program. The public looks to you to bean expert in this field an important responsibility. As youhave the opportunity to conduct VSCs you will gain knowl-edge, both practical and theoretical. Be open, receptive, andlearn from your VSC is much more than a compliance-oriented certi-fication examination. First and foremost, the VSC offers aone-on-one educational opportunity for the boater. You havethe opportunity and the responsibility to share your knowledgewith the boater about the benefits of safety equipment andhow to use that equipment properly, and communicate oppor-tunities to attend boating safety classes in your area offered bythe USCGAUX, USPS , the State, and other organizationswith similar missions.

5 You should also share local knowl-edge relative to the area where the safety check is VSC decal attests to the fact that the boat is in com-pliance with Federal and State requirements. The importanceof the additional recommended equipment should be empha-sized. A minimum requirement is just that operations inpotentially challenging waters or hazardous conditions mayjustify knowledge, skills, and additional safety equipment thatfar exceeds these minimum legal informed, prepared, and courteous to your clients.

6 Inshort, be professional. If the vessel meets all the safety checkrequirements, compliment the boater on a fine vessel and affixthe decal with pride. If not, explain carefully the reasons whythe decal cannot be awarded and what corrective action is nec-essary. The boater may actually learn more from a check thatreveals discrepancies. Make it clear that you and other exam-iners are available to redo the safety check and urge the boaterto remedy the discrepancies as soon as possible safety may beat stake. Don t forget to compliment boaters who have cor-rected discrepancies they have shown by their actions thatthey are responsible and conscientious VSC provides an opportunity to recruit new mem-bers.

7 Take the time to explain the benefits of all means, provide safety checks to boats in your ma-rina, your yacht club, and your launch ramp. But rememberthat this is an outreach program. Operators of small boats,personal watercraft (PWCs) and boats used as platforms forother activities such as hunting and fishing, have statisticallyhigher accident, injury, and fatality rates. Make a special ef-fort to provide safety checks for these are people; they come in all sizes, shapes, ages,levels of experience and knowledge and attitudes.

8 Some boaterswill know more than you do; most less so. Most will be pleas-ant and appreciative; some rude. Many will be delighted atyour offer of a VSC and eager to display their well equippedboats; others reluctant, preoccupied, or concerned that theirvessel will not meet the requirements. Remember that youhave taken the time to gain this expertise and are providing theboater and their families and guests with a valuable andpotentially life-saving compliments you deserve them learn from con-structive (and not so constructive) criticism, and realize thatyou can be a better vessel examiner each day!

9 My thanks to all our dedicated volunteers, and those ofthe United States Coast Guard, who support us in this impor-tant Daniel Maxim,National Directorate Commodorefor Recreational Boating Safety, Coast Guard AuxiliaryNote: Some illustrations in this book were provided by safety equipment manufacturers, including ACR Electronics, Fireboy -Xintex , Mustang Survival, Orion Safety Products, and Raytheon Marine Company. The publisher wishes to thank thesecompanies for their support of safe boating and for providing these for our use; however, use of these illustrations does notconstitute a recommendation or endorsement of their products by Coast Guard Auxiliary National Board.

10 IChapter 1 The Vessel Safety Check 1 Purpose .. 1 Scope .. 1 Definitions .. 1 Vessel Safety Check Program .. 3 Vessel Examiner .. 3 Vessel Safety Check (VSC) .. 3 Vessels Eligible for the Vessel Safety Check .. 3 Boats Owned by Federal, State, or Local Governments .. 3 Inflatable Craft .. 4 Boats Owned by Scout Groups .. 4 Special Exceptions .. 4 Vessels Not Eligible For Vessel Safety Check .. 4 Activities Beyond The Scope Of The Vessel Safety Check .. 4 Manufacturer Product Defect Notification .. 5 Relations With Law Enforcement Officials.