Page 68 - Lady Bass Digital Magazine Classic 2022

US Coastguard Inspections- FREE

Many reading this may not realize that the US Coast Guard offers free vessel inspections. There are auxiliary members
across the county that you can take your boat to, who will meet you, or will come to your location to do these inspec-
tions. Your boat does need to be on land for the inspection to take place. During COVID, it has been a challenge and it is
much easier to find someone in the more populated areas of the country.

You might be asking what the benefits are to having an inspection done each year. There are several. First, there is peace
of mind. As the owner, you know your boat has passed all federal safety guidelines and should you encounter an emer-
gency, you are prepared and have the equipment necessary to address the situation at hand. An added benefit is that
some insurance companies offer discounts for having completed the inspections each year. We had an angler who had a
boating incident and because she had had the inspection done just prior to the event, her insurance company was more
willing to work with her on her claim! A second angler had her brand-new boat inspected and found that the port and
starboard running lights had been installed on the wrong side of her boat at the factory.

From the US Coast Guard website. “Vessels passing safety
checks are awarded a U.S. Coast Guard / Auxiliary Decal that
informs:
• Coast Guard / Auxiliary
• Harbor Patrol
• Sheriff’s & Police
• other boating law-enforcement & safety agency’s

that your boat was in full compliance with all Federal and
State boating laws during a safety check for that year. Best of
all every Vessel Safety Check is 100% Free of charge!”

If a boat does not pass inspection, there is no citation issued.
Instead, the boat owner is provided a written report outlining
the issues and how to address them. Those passing are issued
a decal that is displayed on the boat that is valid for the cal-
endar year unless the owner fails to maintain the vessel or the
vessels equipment.

The items that are checked include: (These vary based upon the size or your boat.)
• Navigation lights
• Ventilation
• Registration # on boat with proper spacing
• Registration Certificate on board
• Navigation Lights in working order
• Wearable and throwable life preservers
• All boats must carry a sound producing device (whistle, horn, siren, etc.) capable of a 4-second blast audible for ½
mile
• Fire Extinguishers
• Oar or paddle (under 16 ft)
• Bilge pumps in working order
• Battery terminals covered and in good condition
• State requirements
• Overall vessel condition

66 Lady Bass Anglers Association US Coastguard Inspections- FREE