Vessel Safety Check Program

 

 

                        

VSC MISSION STATEMENT VESSEL_EXAMINER_STAFF JOB DESCRIPTIONS QUALIFICATION D8ER VE INFORMATION FORMS & MATERIALS USEFUL LINKS West Marine Discount Coupon

VESSEL SAFETY CHECK MISSION STATEMENT            

         The Vessel Safety Check is a cornerstone of the Coast Guard's Recreational Boating Safety program.

• The mission of this program is to minimize the loss of life, personal injury, property damage and environmental impact associated with the use of recreational boats, through preventive means.

• The Vessel Safety Check is much more than a compliance-oriented examination.

• It is an opportunity to help educate boaters through a direct face-to-face boating information exchange.

 

VESSEL EXAMINER STAFF

 

              The District Staff Officers and Division Staff Officers are available with support and information:

 

                          Morton L. Mullins DSO-VE                   

DIV 1   Bob Wendel DIV 2 Ken Wirtz DIV 3   Don Hartley DIV 4   Matthew Coleman DIV 5   David Carr DIV 6    Lonnie Keen  DIV 7   Walter Nagy

DIV 8   Dickie Reece DIV 9   Don Metz DIV 11 Jack Stubblefield DIV 12 Ken Farst DIV 16 Guido Achata DIV 18   Ronald Knipp DIV 24   Robert Tidmore

 

 

JOB DESCRIPTIONS:   SO-VE     FSO-VE   

 

D8ER VESSEL EXAMINER INFORMATION

 

• How to Perform a VSC on a PWC

• How to Perform a VSC on a Sport Utility Boat

• Examiner Etiquette

Examiner Etiquette Wear the proper uniform and wear it CORRECTLY. If with other examiners, try to wear the same uniform. Don’t ask if the boater would like a vessel safety check-they’ll probably say NO!!! Explain the VSC and politely direct them to the examination area. When greeting the boater, do NOT lean on their truck. Do NOT use the word INSPECTION! The VSC is an examination-not and inspection! Look at the driver and the female in the passenger seat in the eye especially when children are present when discussing safety. Do not stand on the boat trailer to look in vessel unless you ask. Do not put your clipboard or lean on the boat Answer questions truthfully and be prepared to substantiate the answer. Do NOT lie! It is better to not know than to guess or lie. Know your local state boating regulations and Federal Requirements booklets. Limit the examination to 10-15 minutes for trailer boaters-20 to 30 minutes for large vessels. On large vessels ask permission PRIOR to boarding-ASK and be prepared to remove your shoes! Do NOT SMOKE at the VSC station or around boaters while in uniform! Do not discuss any prior VSC activity with other examiners when other boaters are in the area. You voice travels and you never know who might over hear your comments. Do NOT use profanity! Remove plastic bags from life jackets and YOU dispose them. If you promise a return call, be sure to follow up. Always find something to compliment the boater. Pass or fail, shake the owners hand, congratulate and thank him on a job well done. If the boater fails, offer a recheck and thank him for their time. Above all else - BE POLITE!      MAY I,  PLEASE, and THANK YOU go a long way.

 

 

QUALIFICATION, RE-QUALIFICATION, and CURRENCY

Qualification Study Opportunities

     Study VSC Manual M16796.8 by downloading

     In addition, be current with the  Errata (changes)

     Familiarize with forms below: ANSC-7003, ANSC-7008, ANSC-7012, ANSC-7038

     Preparation for the exam is available through PowerPoint VSC Training Presentation

     Familiarize inspection of CG Auxiliary Operational Facilities (OPFAC)  
                                     and VE Workshop Power Point

 

Vessel Examiner Exam

    Member Trainer or Instructor may proctor an exam as provided during a VE class, OR

    Use the on-line open book Vessel Examiner Course Exam

    Compete 5 VSCs under the supervision of a qualified examiner

 

Re-qualification

Within 5 years, a re-qualifying examiner needs to perform 2 VSC's with a qualified examiner who receives the credit. A separate 7038 is to be completed, signed by the examiner, the FC, and then faxed or mailed to the DIRAUX office. In addition, 5 VSC's MUST be performed prior to the end of the calendar year.
 

After 5 years, retake the test and perform 5 VSC's with a qualified examiner.

Annual Currency is maintained by completing 5 Vessel Safety Checks yearly

    The VE Workshop for 2008 is not mandatory but encouraged for understanding of the
   current Vessel Examiners Program. Download or order CD ANSC 2001A from FSO-MA.

 

Join the volunteer examiners to add yourself to the "I Want a VSC" database which is used by anyone looking for an examiner to give their vessel an VSC examination.  "I Want a VSC" Volunteer Examiners Sign-Up Here!

 

VE FORMS AND MATERIALS  (COPIES should be kept of ALL documents)

 

ANSC 7003	Vessel Facility Examination and Offer for Use: Submit annually to DIRAUX
ANSC 7008	PWC Facility Examination and Offer for Use: Submit annually to DIRAUX
ANSC 7012	Vessel Safety Check: Present to boater and retain a copy
ANSC 7038	Activity Report Vessel Examination: Submit to IS Officer and retain a copy
ANSC VSC	VSC Decal and Material Order Form: Ordered by DCP, FC, SO-VE, or FS-VE
VSC Manual	Vessel Safety Check Manual (M16796.8)
Manual Errata	Changes for Vessel Safety Check Manual (M16796.8)
OPFAX	USCG Auxiliary Facility Vessel Requirements
Decal Graphics	For years: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

 

D8ER AWARDS AND RECOGNITION 

 

VSC	AWARD	PRESENTATION
40 or more	National Certificate of Recognition at STAR level from the National Commodore, usually about mid-year after achievement.	Flotilla Meeting
60 or more	National ribbon and miniature medal or Bronze star for repeat performance through the DIRAUX office	Flotilla Meeting
240 or more	National RBS Device Auxilarists must accumulate at least 120 points for 2 consecutive years. Achieve the combination of 240 hours with any of the following: Vessel Safety Check, Public Affairs, Public Education, Legislative Outreach, State RBS Outreach and RBS Program Visitations	Member Request

If you have any questions regarding the District/National Vessel Examiner awards program,
please contact Mort Mullins DSO-VE.
 

 

USEFUL LINKS - Organizations Focus on Recreational Boating Safety

USCG AUXILIARY 'V' DEPARTMENT NEWSLETTER - "For Safety's Sake"

AMERICA'S BOATING CLUB - United States Power Squadron

BOAT US - Boat Owners Association of America

BOATING SAFETY - United States Coast Guard

CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS - National Archives and Records Administration

COMMANDER BOB'S BOATING SAFETY NOTEBOOK -  Commander Bob

NASBLA - The National Association State Boating Laws Administrators

SETTING STANDARDS FOR SAFE BOATING - America Boat and Yacht Council

VESSEL EXAMINER WORKSHOP 2008 - United State Coast Guard Auxiliary

WEAR IT - National Safe Boating Council

 

 

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