The following is a safe boating message from the National safe
boating Council and the National Weather Service, reminding you that
National safe boating week is may eighteenth through may
twenty-fourth. This boating season, make sure that you take
advantage of the vessel safety check program, which is a free, no
risk, service provided in your area by the United States Coast Guard
auxiliary and the United States power squadrons. A qualified vessel
examiner will conduct an inspection of all the required safety
equipment carried or installed on a vessel and certain aspects of
the vessels overall condition. Even if you pay careful attention to
safety, dangerous mechanical problems can crop up on the best
maintained boat. Thats why the United States Coast Guard recommends
that all recreational boats, including personal watercraft, get a
free vessel safety check each year. A vessel safety check is your
best way of learning about conditions that might put you in
violation of state or federal Laws or, worse, create an unsafe
condition for you or your passengers on the water. Be prepared for
any emergency when you are afloat. Get a free vessel safety check to
ensure that your vessel complies with both federal and state
requirements. If the vessel meets all requirements, the examiner
will award a vessel safety check decal. If your vessel fails to
receive a vessel safety check decal, no law enforcement action is
taken and the examiner will provide a list of items for correction.
To learn more, visit the National safe boating Council online, at W
W W dot safe boating Council dot Org and visit the National Weather
Service at W W W dot weather dot gov.
