US Coast Guard Auxiliary, District 082, Division 12, serving the Northeast Tennessee and Southeast Kentucky

Vessel Safety Checks

VE (Vessel Examiner) and VSC (Vessel Safety Check) Programs

One of the primary, cornerstone programs of the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGA) to assist the Coast Guard in its mission of promoting recreational boating safety is the new, enhanced VSC program.

The concept behind the VSC program is to promote the interest and gain the support of recreational boaters to voluntarily conform to Federal and State boat safety requirements and to provide the boater with additional information regarding the benefits of boating safety education and safe, enjoyable boating practices. This VSC program is the successor to the highly successful Courtesy Marine Examination (CME) program that started as the Courtesy Motorboat Examination in 1947.

The tremendous growth in recreational boating activity has resulted in a proportional increase in boating related accidents that has generated serious concerns about the lack of boating safety education and lack of operator proficiency in today’s recreational boat owner/operator.

The new VSC program is expected to more clearly illustrate to the recreational boater the importance of properly equipping their boats with the minimum amount of basic boating safety equipment as well as to enhance the boater’s understanding of basic boating safety practices and procedures. Our mutual goal is keeping our waterways safe, clean and enjoyable.

Division XII has a long and recognized history by the Coast Guard of successful participation in the former CME, now VSC program. Specifically qualified Auxiliary vessel examiners are available to conduct this free examination and award an annual VSC decal to boats that are found in compliance with federal and/or state legal safety requirements. Currently there are approximately 30 qualified Vessel Examiners in the Division that comprises an area that includes upper east Tennessee and a portion of southeast Kentucky. MAKE YOUR BOAT A SAFE BOAT. It’s free and the check is only between you and the Vessel Examiner - deficiencies are NEVER reported to any law enforcement agency.

Vessel Safety Checks are available from local VEs who periodically schedule visits to specific boat ramps, marinas or other facilities in the area. Refer to the interactive calendar below for scheduled Vessel Safety Check events.

If you want to find out more about the VSC program, go to the: Vessel Safety Check Web Site.

Please be sure to ask about special incentives sponsored by BOAT/US, Boater’s World and West Marine.

Don Bray SO/VE, Div XII