VESSEL SAFETY CHECKS:

Auxiliarists Checking Flares - Afloat......................................................Auxiliarist Checking Running Light - Ashore

The Auxiliary Vessel Safety Check program has been called the "Third Cornerstone" after Operations and Public Education. Auxiliarists perform this function at regattas, fairs (including Port Townsend's Annual Wooden Boat Festival), and at Public Affairs booths at marinas on weekends. Boaters can also contact Auxiliarists to make an appointment for a VSC. Many Auxiliarists like this mission because they become fascinated with knowing all the different types of equipment on various classes of recreational vessels. Conducting a Vessel Safety Check also provides an additional opportunity to accomplish a bit of safe boating education at the same time. The Coast Guard also values this program very highly because it can help prevent an otherwise unprepared boater from becoming a "SAR" (Search and Rescue) case for them. Click HERE for a list of items covered in a Vessel Safety Check.

A very interesting offshoot of this program is the Commercial Fishing Vessel Examination program where Auxiliarists who already have extensive experience doing Vessel Safety Checks are provided with additional Coast Guard training to enable them to inspect commercial fishing vessels with sufficient expertise as to relieve the Coast Guard of having to do so. Here again, the Auxiliary acts as a force multiplier for the Coast Guard. The following WEB SITE provides information on this program.

Auxiliarist Checking Fire Extinguisher Fill - Afloat.................................Auxiliarist Checking Flare Kit - Ashore