The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary will be conducting
complementary Vessel Safety Checks at the docks of Lake Diane Plaza on Saturday, June 29th, from 10 AM to 2 PM.
Vessel Safety Checks (VSCs) are conducted as a public service by the Coast Guard
Auxiliary. They help boat owners by examining the safety equipment required for
recreational boats and familiarizing boat owners with changes to equipment
requirements and safety concerns.
A decal is awarded upon successful completion of a vessel safety check,
demonstrating that the boat was found to be in compliance with boating
regulations. While the decal in no way prevents future inspections or citations, law
enforcement personnel performing safety inspections will often bypass a boat
displaying a VSC decal because it shows you are serious about boating safety. A
list of safety equipment required by Michigan law can be found at:
https://www.boat–ed.com/michigan/handbook/page/52/Required–Equipment–
Checklist/
This is a complementary service provided to boat owners. No violations are
reported and, since the Auxiliary is a not a Law Enforcement agency, no citations
are issued. Boaters are also reminded that vessel safety exams are good only for the
calendar year in which they are received. Be certain you have your boat
registration, that all navigation lights are in working order, and that your distress
signal flares have not expired!
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Vessel safety checks are not limited to power boats, either. Paddlecraft areinvolved in a disproportionate number of boating accidents, and a VSC performedon a canoe, kayak or sailboat will help ensure a safe day on the water whileenjoying your sport.Take advantage of this opportunity and, in the meantime, SAFE BOATING!The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian component of the U.S. CoastGuard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas. The Auxiliary wascreated by Congress in 1939. For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org.