Boat Smart from the Start

A Vessel Safety Check is a FREE 15-30 minute inspection of your boat performed with you and a volunteer member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. The primary goal of a safety inspection is to discuss with you required safety equipment and safety features specific to your boat. Results of the Safety Check are not reported to anyone.

A boat either passes or fails. If your boat passes the Safety Check, you’ll receive a Vessel Safety Check (VSC) decal a like the ones above to be affixed to your boat or paddle craft, indicating all required equipment is aboard and functioning properly. By having the VSC decal, your boat is recognized by law enforcement agencies as being equipped with the required safety items.

If your boat fails, a decal is not given, and you will receive a list of the missing or damaged items which need to be attended to for your boat to meet Federal and State requirements. Upon acquiring or repairing these items you may contact the Auxiliarist who will re-inspect your boat. If everything is in order, a "Vessel Safety Check" decal will then be issued.

Do You Have Enough Life Jackets?

·       Are they in Excellent Condition?

·       Where are They?

·       Are they still in the packaging you purchased them in (They shouldn't be)?

·       If your life depended on a Life Jacket, would you be comfortable going into the water with any one of the Life Jackets on your boat?

·       Do you have the right sizes available for children or large adults?

·       Does your Life Jacket have a light so you can be seen after dark?

·       What is in the pockets of your Life Jacket?

·       Is other survival gear such as a mirror or die marker attached to your life vest?

Why Should I Sign Up for a Vessel Safety Check?

·       Ensure your Boat is safe for you, your family and guests

·       Discuss your boat with a fellow boater who is also a trained and experienced member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

·       Results are confidential. We do not give any information about you or your boat to anyone and no tickets or summonses are ever issued.

·       It's FREE and convenient we come to you at your boat.

Boats that pass the Safety Check receive a "VSC" decal.

What Do I need to Pass a Safety Inspection?

The requirements are different based on the size of your boat. The following is a list of some of the items we check:

·       Registration # on boat with proper spacing

·       Registration Certificate on board

·       Navigation Lights in working order

·       3 current day and night flares

·       Wearable and throwable life preservers

·       Distress flag (18 ft & over)

·       All boats must carry a sound producing device (whistle, horn, siren, etc.) capable of a 4-second blast audible for ½ mile

·       Boats larger than 39.4 ft. are required to have a bell

·       Pollution Placard and Trash Placard (26 ft & over)

·       Fire Extinguishers

·       Blower working and Proper Ventilation

·       Backfire flame arrestor (gasoline engines)

·       Anchor & sufficient line

·       Oar or paddle (under 16 ft)

·       Bilge pumps in working order

·       Battery terminals covered and in good condition

·       Holding tank for head

·       Boats 39.4 feet & over must have on board a current copy of the Navigation Rules

Interested in a Free Vessel Safety Check?

Click the link below after reviewing the Marinas we service.

I Want A VSC

Scott’s Landing Marina
Marina Manager: Caroline Mize
Address: 2500 Oak Grove Loop S, Grapevine, TX 76051
Email: Scottslanding@waterviewmarinas.com
Phone: 817-481-4549

Twin Coves Marina
Marina Manager: Angie Lamb
Address: 4500 Murrell Park Rd, Flower Mound, TX 75022, USA
Email: Twincoves@waterviewmarinas.com
Phone: 972-724-1804

Silver Lake Marina
Marina Manager: Matt Hogg
Address: 2500 Fairway Drive #1 Grapevine, TX 76051
Email: Silverlake@waterviewmarinas.com
Phone: 817-481-1918