Coast Guard Auxiliary Helps Boaters Prepare for the 2013 Boating Season

Members of the Coast Guard Axillary, Flotilla 22, were out in force on last weekend performing free Safety Checks for boaters at Park Marina in Bartow County.

"The Coast Guard Auxiliary’s main mission is Recreational Boater Safety" Flotilla Staff Officer–Vessel Examinations Paul Grenier said in a release. "Our job is to assist the boating public in knowing all boating regulations and in being as safe as possible."

The free Vessel Examination is conducted only if the boat owner is present and agrees to have the examination complete. The exam includes:

• Life jackets
• Registration and numbering
• Navigation lights
• Ventilation
• Fire extinguishers
• Distress signals (flares, horn, etc.)
• Battery cover and connections

All of these items are currently required by state and federal laws and, if missing or non-operating, can result in a citation if your vessel is inspected by local authorities.

Vessel Examinations are voluntary, free and confidential.  The results are not reported to any law enforcement or insurance agencies. The Boat Owner cannot receive any citations. The Vessel Examination program is to assist in determining if the boat meets federal and state safety equipment requirements. Vessels that pass are awarded a Vessel Safety Check decal, good for one year.

While at Park Marina, the Coast Guard Auxiliary inspected over 20 vessels.

"The more vessels we can inspect, the safer we can make the water," Grenier continued. "And if a boat does not pass our safety inspection, we will re-inspect it for free."

Why should boaters want the Coast Guard Auxiliary to inspect their vessels?

"Safety! The peace of mind that your boat meets federal safety standards and that in an emergency you will have the necessary equipment to save lives and summon help," added Flotilla Staff Officer—Public Affairs, Luis Cribeiro. "Also, in many cases boating insurance agencies offer discounts for vessels which undergo a Vessel Safety Check every year."

The Coast Guard Auxiliary conducts regular Vessel Examinations at local marinas as well as conducts Boating Safety Classes.

A schedule of Vessel Examinations and Boating safety classes can be found on Flotilla 22’s web page at http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=070-02-02.

And if you cannot make a schedule Vessel Examination, contact the Flotilla, and you can schedule a Vessel Examination at your location and convenience.