As boats are uncovered and readied for a new season, after what for many may have been an exceedingly long layup due to Covid 19, it’s important to ensure that all of the required safety items are on board and all operating systems are in good order. The Coast Guard is out doing boardings and finding out at that point that your navigation lights aren’t working, or your flares have expired, isn’t just uncomfortable but can be expensive.

Some checklist item discrepancies may be an annoyance like a missing “No Oil Discharge” placard, while others may be life threatening like an inoperative fire extinguisher or an oil-fouled backfire flame arrestor. The majority of fueling related fires are caused by the ignition of accumulated gasoline vapors in the bilge; when was the last time you checked your bilge blower/ductwork system?

An easy and free way to allay all your concerns in those areas is to get a Vessel Safety Check (VSC) by a member of CG Auxiliary Flotilla 2-5 in Boothbay Harbor. The CG Auxiliary checks the same items that the Coast Guard will check if you’re stopped or boarded, but instead of a citation and possible fine for a violation, the Auxiliary examiner simply gives you, the owner, the list of any items that need attention. No one besides you and the examiner will see the list.

“Free” is good and “free” that may save you more money and maybe your life, is better. Displaying a 2021 VSC decal showing that you’ve passed Vessel Safety Check is not a guarantee that you won’t be boarded, but does provide assurance that if you are boarded, the required items are all aboard and in good order. making for a much more relaxed encounter and a more enjoyable day.

Vessel Safety Check Events currently scheduled across the area:

Robinhood/Direcktor Marina 9 a.m., Saturday, June 19

Hodgdon Yacht Services (Southport) 1 p.m., Saturday, June 26

Carousel Marina 9 a.m., Saturday, June 26

Tugboat Marina 9 a.m., Saturday, June 26

Brown`s Marina 9 a.m., Saturday, June 26

Ocean Point Marina 9 a.m., Saturday, June 26.

If you’d like to get your boat inspected but can’t get to one of the scheduled events, just enter: “I want a Vessel Safety Check” into Google or other search engine and you’ll be directed to an online form that will notify several Vessels Examiners in your area to set up a VSC appointment at your convenience.