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If you want to schedule a Vessel Check, please contact one of the examiners:
Bill Coltrin (360) 675-8102 or Jim Wagner (360) 240-2543 |
Concerning Vessel Exams
Please call one of the volunteers listed above to contact to make arrangements.
We have produced a condensed listing of the major safety items that a boater should have on their vessel, besides a good sound hull. The US Coast Guard may want to check other items that are not listed here if they were to board your vessel at sea. This could include the vessel registration or documentation, pollution placards, marine heads, etc.
Important Reminders and Safety Items: ( (Source: U.S. Coast Guard))
1. Life jackets. You must have a Coast Guard- approved personal flotation device (PFD – or “lifejacket”) for every person on board the vessel. Check them periodically to make sure they work. Whether for adult or child, the PFD should be appropriate for the activity and fit right;
adults must ensure that the kids wear them. Have a throwable cushion or life ring of some sort on board. The U.S. Coast Guard recently updated PFD labels that rely more on icons than wording, but PFD’s labeled under the previous system still meet regulatory requirements.
For more detailed information on PFD’s, visit this link:
2. Visual distress signals are required on all boats 16 ft. or longer, and will help others locate your boat quickly, day or night, in the case of an emergency. Signals include day signals such as a big orange signal flag. A minimum of three “day and night” flares are recommended, and make sure they are not expired. Also available is a U.S.C.G. approved, flashing-day-and-night-SOS strobe lights. A flashlight with new batteries should always be on board also.
3. Fire extinguishers. In recent months, the USCG has modified their regulations, involving a new classification system, regarding the use of portable fire extinguishers. If your vessel was built after August 22, 2016, your vessel falls under the new system.
4. Familiarize yourself with Navigation Rules. The Navigation Rules are much like the rules of the road on the highway. They establish a consistent way to navigate safely and avoid collisions when two boats are crossing paths, are on course to meet head-on, or when one boat wishes to overtake another.
You can download a copy of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Navigation Rules here:
5. Check navigation and running lights to make sure they are functioning. A white navigation light is required for use during low visibility such as fog, heavy rain, dawn or dusk.
6. A marine VHF radio is presently not a mandatory safety requirement, but we feel it should be. Cell phones are great, but signals are weak in some areas around the islands.
7. Noise makers, such as a horn, whistle or bell. Navigation Rules require you to use sound signals during periods of limited visibility and in meeting, crossing, and over-taking situations. The law states you must have some means of making an efficient sound signal. Air-powered horns are great for a small boat.
8. Check that the bilge pump(s) are dry, clear of waste, and working properly. Carry at least one bucket with you!
9. Make sure you have an anchor with enough rode (connecting line). Also check the adequacy for the areas you expect to be in, including heavy weather while at anchor. Also, two anchors can make for a better night's sleep.
10. Have nautical charts of the areas where you plan on going. A GPS chart plotter is fantastic, but make sure it is up to date. If you can get paper charts, do so. It makes planning ahead easier. A digital depth sounder is also vital to know how much water is under your boat.
11. File a float plan. Someone responsible needs to know what you are planning, where you are going, and when you plan to return. If you don’t show up as planned, then the authorities will have some idea of where to look.
To see an example of a float plan, click here
12. Carry a well-stocked First Aid kit.
For more detailed information on boating safety and regulations, please refer to the following links:
i. Washington State information on boating safety, regulations and requirements, and education:
ii. Checklist for Washington State Required Equipment
iii. U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules (Rules of the Road)
iv. The official website of the U.S. Coast Guard's Boating Safety Division
Sincerely,
The DPSPS Vessel Safety Examiners and Jennifer Geller
ITEMS COVERED BY THE SAFETY CHECK INCLUDE (from District 16's site)
- Registration/documentation and proper display of registration numbers
- Adequate personal flotation devices
- Current visual distress signals for the boating area
- Number of operating fire extinguishers for the size of boat
- Engine compartment ventilation
- Backfire flame control
- Operating sound producing devices
- Properly installed & operating navigation lights and marine sanitation devices
- Display of required pollution and trash placards
- Navigation rules
- Compliance with state requirements.
