Editor’s Note: As mentioned in previous articles, the purpose of a vessel safety check (VSC) is to provide the boat owner/operator with an independent assessment of their vessel. They are free and there is no penalty if you don’t pass. VSC inspectors will go over the boat to ensure the vessel meets federal, state, and local safety equipment requirements in order to prevent citations; identify possible equipment defects and costly breakdowns; increase safe boating practices to help individuals avoid accidents and injuries; provide a better understanding for the use and care of marine safety equipment; help ensure environmental compliance; and increase the boat owner/operator’s level of confidence.
Apart from equipment required in order to pass the VSC, inspectors may also go over recommended items, as well as additional safety considerations.
1. Marine Radio
An installed marine radio should have lat/long position indicators that can be easily found by all onboard. Handheld radios should be worn with the lanyard attached (falling into the water and realizing the handheld radio is onboard doesn’t do you much good.) A Channel 16 Mayday sticker should be visible near the radio, and guests should be instructed on how to use the radio. Make sure they are on Channel 16 and that they release the “keyed” mic after their emergency transmission, so a response can be heard.
2. Dewatering Device and Backup
A hand pump, electronic auxiliary pump, or bucket with handle should be onboard and in good operational condition. If replacing bilge pumps, consider installing new float switches and larger bilge pumps so they don’t overwork, overheat, or fail.
3. Mounted Fire Extinguishers
Consider extra fire extinguishers, as they empty fast. Ensure they are mounted in visual line of sight. If placed in cabinets, consider placing fire extinguisher decals on the outside of the door; some decals glow in the dark.
4. Anchor and Line
Ensure you have a sufficient amount of chain, as that will help set the anchor. Normal line length (150 feet or more) should be enough for the operating area. A spare anchor is always advised.
5. First Aid/Person in the Water (PIW) Kits
The first aid kit should be visible, and if it’s not, show guests where it is kept. Consider a first aid kit sticker to mark its location if it is not visible.
PIW: Some fixed mounted and handheld radios have a man overboard (MOB) button, which sets location. The boat operator should designate an individual onboard to point at the person in the water (PIW) and not take eyes off them until recovery is successful. A USCG approved throwable cushion, life ring (with attached strobe light), horse collar or PFD with line, or throw rope should be visible, accessible, and thrown to the PIW. It is recommended to use a bright orange life ring on a white vessel background; a white life ring would blend in and be hard to locate during an actual emergency. Regarding injuries, trauma is not fixed in the field; it’s fixed in the hospital. The boat owner/operator should know basic medical training or have stabilization medicine onboard that could suffice until proper treatment is available. Recommended training includes: Stop the Bleed, CPR, basic knowledge of choking, burns, etc. Never go beyond your medical training.
6. Inland Visual Distress Signals
Electronic flares, orange day flags, and orange smoke canisters are very effective. A small mirror can work to hail another boater, aircraft, or a person on land. Also have a whistle, air horn, bell, or boat horn.
7. Capacity/Certificate of Compliance
Small boats usually have limits on people, weight, gear, and motor horsepower, which are stamped on the Capacity Plate. Larger vessels have a Certificate of Compliance, stating they meet the USCG requirements or International Maritime Standards.
Additional Considerations:
Accident Reporting – Owner Responsibility: Accidents over $2000 or more in damages or complete loss of vessel within 10 days; or if a person dies, disappears, or receives medical treatment beyond first aid within 48 hours, must be reported to the Maryland Natural Resources Police at (410) 260-8888. If a Maryland vessel is registered and is involved in an accident on waters outside of Maryland resulting in death, disappearance, or injury of any person or property, or damage of $2000 or more, it must be reported to the Maryland DNR within 30 days.
Offshore Operations: If traveling offshore, it is recommended to have satellite communications capability, such as a satellite phone or two-way communicator, which leaves a snail trail with friends and/or family, so they can track your location. If traveling overseas, advanced lifesaving medical training may be recommended.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) – Dangers and Prevention: Due to previous recalls on CO detectors, it is recommended that you install two different manufacturers of CO detectors in all sleeping quarters. Also ensure all propane or natural gas is shut off at the tank, as well as at appliances, when not in use.
Nautical Charts/Navigation Aids: It’s a good idea to have redundancy of nautical charts and navigational aids onboard. The use of boating apps on iPhone or iPad is common among boaters.
Fuel/Fuel Management: It is recommended that you change the fuel lines every five years, with fuel lines certified for ethanol and marine use. Consider using ethanol-free fuel (pure-gas.org identifies locations). And remember in regard to fuel management: have a third of your tank to get out, a third of your fuel to return, and a third in reserve.
Float Plan/Weather and Sea Conditions: BoatUS and the USCG Auxiliary have excellent forms for creating a float plan. Consider laminating forms and using a grease pen. Wipe the form after your trip, and it’s ready for the next adventure. Check the weather forecast three times daily, as it’s quick to change. Make sure all hatches and windows are closed and secured.
Boating Check List: Consider making up a pre-departure checklist. Know your vessel and go through the normal steps. Document and update procedures. Once you feel comfortable and you have the necessary actions, laminate the form and use a grease pen, and you’ll have a reusable form. BoatUS also has a spring commissioning checklist.
Survival Tips and First Aid: It is highly recommended that you wear your PFD, or if in an enclosed cabin, have it readily available. All PFDs should be readily accessible and not in a zippered plastic case, as they often corrode shut. It is recommended that you install a whistle, small mirror, and water activated PFD light on each individual PFD. Check the contents of the first aid kit prior to long trips, or at least annually. Contents should be inspected often, as some components have expiration dates. Dress accordingly for air and water temperatures.
Safe Boating Classes: It is recommended to take an in-person safe boating course every five to 10 years. This allows you to learn new developments, ask questions, learn how to read and interpret nautical charts, how to make a Mayday call, how to tie lines, and more.
Marine Domain Awareness: Should you witness something out of the ordinary, such as someone taking photos or videos near military installations or nuclear power plants, etc., call it in to the Maryland DNR.
Insurance Considerations: Some insurance companies are bifurcating vessel policies; one policy is for the vessel, and one policy is for onboard installed electronics. It is important to review your policies for coverage. Additionally, new vessels and electronics are very expensive. Coverage for “replacement value” should also be considered.
By Steve Gershman, Natural Resources Police Reserve Officer and Vessel Safety Check Operator