VSC

[fishmeister]

While we are on the topic of safety reminders....

I know that this is going to be "old news" to many here.  But, I also know that we've had many new members over the past year.  Some of them just might be "newer" to boating so I thought I'd throw this post up in case it might help someone.

The USCG Auxiliary has volunteer inspectors that will do a "Vessel Safety Check" for you.  This is a free service and, in most cases, they will come right to you.  Just as if you were being boarded by the CG, they will go through all of your papers and required safety equipment.  They will also go through a list of "recommended equipment".

A really good incentive to do this (besides being free) is that there are no penalties/consequences if you are out of compliance.  They just let you know what you need to do to get there.  Better to find out this way instead of "the hard way".  If you are in compliance, it's good to have that affirmed and you'll get a decal to put on your boat.

If interested, here's where to go to request your VSC:
https://wow.uscgaux.info/i_want_a_vsc/index.php

I just had mine done yesterday (I passed and got my decal, btw).  I had a very nice gentleman (retired CG) who came right to my driveway to do my inspection.  He even offered a neat "tidbit" of local info that I didn't know....I've noted that there is a "restricted area" just a little south of Deception Pass and offshore from NAS Whidbey.  I assumed that it was either due to the proximity with the end of a runway or, possibly, unexploded ordinance.  Turns out, that area is directly downrange from the live-fire rifle range at NAS Whidbey.  Go through there at the wrong time and you might end up with some new holes in your boat (or more tragic).

Stay safe this summer.

[davidsea]

  

  I've had the inspection and gotten the decal the last 3 years.  All 3 were done by a really great guy from the Everett squadron, who came to my house.  Very thorough job, and he suggested a couple of things that weren't required for the inspection, but were good ideas that I later added.   I was stopped and boarded by a USCG patrol last summer, near Patos Is. - very close to the BC border.   Very polite and thorough, gave me compliments about the condition of the Arima, and a clean inspection report.  I'll be doing it again this year.  BTW, no charge for any of this, and a good thing to 'see' your boat with another set of eyes.  It's very easy to ignore something because 'it's always been that way'.

[fishmeister]

Very thorough job, and he suggested a couple of things that weren't required for the inspection, but were good ideas that I later added.

....

and a good thing to 'see' your boat with another set of eyes.  It's very easy to ignore something because 'it's always been that way'.

When I had mine done 2 years ago, I had all of the required items and the only item on the "recommended" list that I was missing was caps/covers on my battery terminals.  That was something that I hadn't even thought about.  Because of that inspection, I now have them.  There is definitely a benefit of "seeing your boat with another set of eyes".

This year's discussion about "restricted areas" came as the result of the inspector talking about general "rules of the road", shipping lanes, and various chart markings.  Seems like these guys can almost always find something to talk about that results in some useful info.

The bottom line is that there really is no "negative" to having one of these inspections.  It's free, they try to accommodate your schedule, they can usually come to you, and (unlike a real CG boarding) there are no penalties if you don't pass the inspection.  Their goal is to help keep everyone as safe as possible out on the water.

My last note (I think) is that my boat is a 15'.  The required equipment is basically PFD for each person and a whistle/sound-producing device (unless operating at night).  I asked to be inspected as a 16' as that is the next classification (16' to 26') for required equipment.  I know that I operate in some of the same waters as many 16-26' boats.  The conditions that might lead to that safety equipment's necessity aren't going to change in my favor just because my boat is a foot shorter.

[KEM KAI]

The Auxiliary used to come down on the weekends in Hawaii.  Haven't seen them in awhile, maybe have to call them.  They have more requirements than the Coast Guard. Last time I saw them they inspected my boat and I passed but they said they don't give out the sticker anymore. It doesn't stop CG from boarding but at least you're more than likely more than compliant. And you don't get a citation for non-compliance from them, just things you need to do.

[Old Duder]

Thanks for the reminder!  When getting my boat ready for the inspector I found that my Anchor light did not come on with the running lights.  I found a wiring diagram for the light switch on the forum and it was an easy fix. Looked like it had been that way since new.  I got my sticker for the year. Inspector was great and he gave me some pointers.

[Dao]

A quick question (Kind of related to safety.).  Does anyone keep paddle(s) on board?  I was a sailor for about 30 years and we always carried paddles.  It's slow, (very) but have successfully rowed a 27ft 5K lb boat about a 1/2 mile back to dock. (Of course it was dead calm and no tide.) You would think with sails and the "iron jib" this would rarely be necessary, but both your outboard and the wind can give out at the same time.  If this is feasible, I would like to get rid of my kicker and save some weight.  I only have the kicker in case the main gives out. 

[fishmeister]

A quick question (Kind of related to safety.).  Does anyone keep paddle(s) on board?  I was a sailor for about 30 years and we always carried paddles.  It's slow, (very) but have successfully rowed a 27ft 5K lb boat about a 1/2 mile back to dock. (Of course it was dead calm and no tide.) You would think with sails and the "iron jib" this would rarely be necessary, but both your outboard and the wind can give out at the same time.  If this is feasible, I would like to get rid of my kicker and save some weight.  I only have the kicker in case the main gives out. 

Yes. I do have a paddle.  It was in the boat when I bought it.

Wouldn't want to find myself up S**t Creek without it.   

[Yachter Yat]

  I never understood why more people don't simply have a small 2 HP kicker.  Seems that would be more than adequate in an emergency situation; not to mention how it would save weight and would also be seemingly more than sufficient for slow trolling.
  I mean.....if it can do this:
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lv1-HSrYtY8&t=1s
   
   BTW, I always kept one of these small telescoping paddles on board.....in the orange color:
https://www.amazon.com/OCEANBROAD-Emergency-Telescoping-Collapsible-Emergency%EF%BC%8CTangerine/dp/B0CRR7P54N/ref=asc_df_B0CRR7P54N/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=691918420928&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12826597935164874785&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9002283&hvtargid=pla-2323673002724&mcid=f86935cbb6283f92a05d2ea922f3190e&gad_source=1&th=1&psc=1


Yat

[Tom C]

Does anyone keep paddle(s) on board?

Of course. Not just useful for paddling in a pinch, but also for poling off the beach, holding position, and fending off.

[Always Fishing]

I never understood why more people don't simply have a small 2 HP kicker.  Seems that would be more than adequate in an emergency situation; not to mention how it would save weight and would also be seemingly more than sufficient for slow trolling.
  I mean.....if it can do this:
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lv1-HSrYtY8&t=1s
 
  BTW, I always kept one of these small telescoping paddles on board.....in the orange color:
https://www.amazon.com/OCEANBROAD-Emergency-Telescoping-Collapsible-Emergency%EF%BC%8CTangerine/dp/B0CRR7P54N/ref=asc_df_B0CRR7P54N/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=691918420928&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12826597935164874785&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9002283&hvtargid=pla-2323673002724&mcid=f86935cbb6283f92a05d2ea922f3190e&gad_source=1&th=1&psc=1


Yat

The Torqeedo electric motors are pretty cool but expensive. 

.

[Dao]

Thanks for the responses. I was afraid everyone would consider it stupid to even suggest a paddle. 

I think I'll get a set of the telescoping paddles and see if I can trade my kicker for a smaller one.  I currently have a 10 HP, Electric start, 4 stroke Johnson. (Was even set up to use the power steering)  It's a good engine, but weighs about 100 lbs. I have a friend with a 4hp, two stroke, no name brand, that I can lift with one hand, easily.  Time to upgrade, by downgrading. 

[fishmeister]

For those who may be newer, here's the VSC decal:

[KEM KAI]

Like you Dao my kicker is only for main motor back up. I'm changing my 9.9Yama(elec. start/power tilt)that weighs a ton to a Tohatsu 6hp sailpro($2K). Weighs 80#'s, not for speed but lots of torque.  Made to push sail boats easily.

[Ed De Explorer]

Somewhat off the subject line but since it was brought up.

My boat came with a paddle on one end and a couple plastic hooks on the other.

I've used it lots of times.

To grab crab pot lines, push off of things, pick up floating garbage.. I am sure a few other things too.

[fishmeister]

If you want to do this, but haven't "got around to it yet", select West Marine stores will be offering the chance to bring your boat in for a VSC.  These start this Saturday, 18May.  Here is a link to the page with the stores that are offering a VSC and the dates/times:

https://www.westmarine.com/safety-check/

[Hunter]

I also do these inspections....  great program.

Just for kicks.....does anyone happen to have a copy of the actual checklist that they use for their inspection?   

[davidsea]

  If you can read it - this is the 2023 form.  You also need the oil discharge and carbon monoxide  stickers, at least in WA.

[fishmeister]

It's that time of year again.  Time to get your VSC for the year.  Got mine tonight.



Here's the checklist/form (Front and Back):

[positize]

GREAT suggestion. For those of us with CRS, a VSC is AOK.

[davidsea]

  My inspection is scheduled,  Here in the Everett/Edmonds/Shoreline area they are happy to schedule and do the inspection at your house, rather than line up on a specific day with a bunch of other people.  Takes a half-hour tops, and is free.   

[metalwrkr]

I have set my inspection up for this Friday. The inspector is coming right to the house.  Ill let you know how it turns out. 

[Cool Runnings]

Here is a PDF copy of the form (hope it opens):

VSC.pdf

 

[Old No7]

A quick question (Kind of related to safety.).  Does anyone keep paddle(s) on board?

We have 2 inflatable SUPs, and instead of using the cheap 3- or 4- piece paddles they came with, we have 2 longer, telescoping (and stronger) paddles made for use with the SUPs -- they store easily in the cuddy, and if needed, with one of us on each side, we can move the 19' SR along pretty well.  Slow, yeah, but at least moving in the right direction.

The taller SUP paddles work so much better than the standard/shorter paddles they sell for canoes.

Old No7

[metalwrkr]

I have a VSC scheduled for tomorrow, Fri/18/April.  Filled out the online form and a Coast Guard Auxiliary Officer called me the next day.  Very pleasant and efficient.  He is coming to my own driveway to inspect the boat on the trailer. I'll post my experience when it's done!

[metalwrkr]

Passed the VSC with flying colors!  He was extremely thorough on some things and not too concerned about others.  I guess different inspectors have different peeves. One of the four life jackets I had stored in a soft tote still had the retail flimsy plastic on it and he said I needed to be aware that it would not count toward my life jacket count with the plastic still on it. He also suggested that I look into a different height 360* mast light as mine looked like it could be partially eclipsed by my canvas.  He said this was a common problem on many boats but was a grey area because the lighting was CG approved at manufacture and would certainly be fine with the canvas down.  All in all he said it was "An Outstanding Inspection".  On my part, I found it very educational with all his running comments and observations!