Vessel Safety Checks
(Formally called Courtesy Marine Examinations)

The U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers free boat safety checks to boaters who want to know if their vessel meets all federal and state safety requirements. The Vessel Examiners who perform these checks are specially-trained Auxiliarists who are kept informed on the latest legal requirements for boats.
Vessel Examiners have no legal authority. The purpose of the Vessel Safety Check program, or Courtesy Marine Examination as it is still commonly referred to, is to prevent safety-related accidents through boater awareness. A bi-product of the program also can prevent unnecessary equipment related citations, in the event a vessel, including a "JET SKI," is stopped by the Coast Guard or other local marine law enforcement agency.

The Vessel Examiners will check the entire vessel for all required safety items, and if everything is present and in good working order, the examiner will award a decal to affix to your boat. If you wish, they will gladly explain the reason for the various safety equipment requirements and explain how the safety equipment works.

• Vessel Safety Checks (Courtesy Marine Examinations) are performed on standard powerboats and sailboats.
• Personal Watercraft Safety Checks are performed on personal watercraft (PWC).

To arrange for a free vessel safety check in the Daytona Beach area, contact Flotilla 44 at:    

• Telephone: (386) 248-8363
• E-Mail: flotilla44@a0700404.uscgaux.info

Safety Checks are also conducted at the following locations: (waterborne or trailered vessels)

• 2nd Tuesday of each month, 7:15 p.m., Coast Guard Auxiliary Building , Halifax Harbor Marina, Daytona Beach
• 1st Saturday of each month, 8a.m.-12p.m., Halifax Harbor Marina boat ramp, Daytona Beach
• 2nd Saturday of each month, 8a.m.-12p.m., Port Orange boat ramp, under the Dunlawton Bridge, Port Orange

VESSEL SAFETY EXAMINER
(Formally called Courtesy Marine Examiner)

Every year Auxiliarists who are qualified as Vessel Examiners conduct an average of 290,000 Vessel Safety Checks (VSEs) everywhere recreational boats are found. These include marinas, launching ramps, and boat and yacht clubs. These VSEs are provided to all boat owners who wish to have a free, courtesy check of their boat's safety equipment.

While performing the VSE, Auxiliary Vessel Examiners also conduct a "one-on-one" education session with the boat owner. This provides the owner an opportunity to ask questions, get information on the local area, and obtain the latest update on safety equipment and regulations effecting the recreational boater.

Boaters always feel good seeing their boat displaying the VSE "Seal of Safety," which indicates that their boat has met all federal, state, and Coast Guard Auxiliary safety standards.

In becoming an Auxiliary Vessel Examiner, you will receive specialized training on recreational vessel safety standards. Trained Auxiliary Examiners will teach you what equipment is required on the various classes of vessels, how it should be installed, and whether or not it functions properly.

For additional information, please visit the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary National Vessel Safety Check Website.

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