Boarding Questions During a Vessel Safety Check

BOARDING QUESTIONS DURING A VESSEL SAFETY CHECK

There are occasions when the vessel examiner might not feel comfortable asking for the VSC exam. One reason is that the boat owner has experienced several boarding’s by law enforcement officers and they ask “why”. These include questions with the sheriff, DNR, or the United States Coast Guard stopping vessels with the current VSC decal.

I called the Illinois and Iowa DNR offices and discussed polices boarding vessels displaying the current VSC decal. They stated that having the decal does not give the boat owner immunity from being boarded. Pleasure boats that appear overcrowded, excessive speeds, PWC operations near shores and children not wearing PFDs become red signals. Both officers praised the Auxiliary and expressed their appreciation for the safety programs offered.

When a current VSC decal is displayed on the boat, other law enforcement officials may refrain from boarding for an official inspection unless a violation is observed. For your particular area, I’m recommending calling the DNR, sheriff, or your local water enforcement agency, and ask what the policies are with respect to the VSC program. Explain the program and tell them what color the decal is for the current year. The officers I called did not know the shape of the decal and that the color changes each year. When conducting a VSC, always make clear they might be boarded if the owner asks. Explain all agencies are promoting safe boating practices as the Coast Guard Auxiliary is. State, that law enforcement agencies and the Auxiliary/Power Squadrons have all helped reduce property loss and deaths on the water.

Asking the owner for a VSC exam, you should introduce yourself, be courteous, and request permission to come aboard, explain the program benefits, show the decal and thank the owner for the safety check. The boat owner should experience complete satisfaction the vessel is safe.

When the U.S. Coast Guard has a presence on the water they may stop the vessel and ask the boat owner to show their PFDs if the vessel has the current VSC decal. They normally won’t require a full inspection. It is expected flotilla/division VE members know what their policies are.

Edward Lieblein DSO-VE/PV