USCG Saftey Inspection

[kyle f]

I have heard that you can take you boat to get a courtesey safety inspection by the USCG or POwer Squadron. Upon inspection, if you met the standars you get a nice little sticker for your boat.

I was wondering if anyone had some links to where I can get information on what they require, beyond what my state does, as far as safety equipment goes. Also, where I can find the locations for these inspections.

Thanks.

 

[180shabah]

Re: USCG Saftey Inspection

http://nws.cgaux.org/index.html

 

[dingbat]

Re: USCG Saftey Inspection

I have it done every Spring becouse around here it's not if you get boarded, it's when you get boarded. Rather get it out of the way so I don't have to waste time on the water getting boarded later.

Just remember that you need to have it done every year. The sticker has a date on it.

 

[Zero Balance]

Re: USCG Saftey Inspection

Had mine done back in spring. Last time I was boarded for an isnspection was over 3 years ago so I guess it was due.

Yep if you pass you get a nifty sticker to put on your winder.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: USCG Saftey Inspection

they periodically go to boat ramps here, and do the inspections, for any one who wants it.

 

[kyle f]

Re: USCG Saftey Inspection

I have it done every Spring becouse around here it's not if you get boarded, it's when you get boarded. Rather get it out of the way so I don't have to waste time on the water getting boarded later.

Just remember that you need to have it done every year. The sticker has a date on it.

That is why I want to do it. I would rather just get it out of the way, have everythign I need, and not disrupt my guest's time on the water for something that is my responsibility.

 

[kyle f]

Re: USCG Saftey Inspection

Well, got mine doen today. Very nice guy about it to. Also made some very helpful suggestions that I hadn't really though much about because of our boating style. Though, could be useful at some point in time

Got my sticker and everythign is good to go.

Thanks for your help guys.

 

[Boatist]

Re: USCG Saftey Inspection

I only been boarded one time in all my years of fishing inland and in the ocean. That was about 5 years ago offshore in the Pacific Ocean by the US Coast Guard. We passed with no problem. However I have been told that if you do not have all the saftey gear The Coast Guard will site you and if it is a serrious problem will tell you to pull your boat. If you have all the required Gear but flares or something like that is out of date then they give you a fix it ticket but no fines. US Coast Guard give no sticker they do print out a report saying you passed and if get stopped again if you show that they will not board again unless they see something wrong. They are a branch of the military and have full athority to take many actions if needed.

Coast Guard AUX Gives saftey inspections all the time at many of the popular boat ramps. They have no policing athority and the inspection is volintary. They do give you a sticker for the window. I had this done many times either when getting ready to laungh or or after retriving the boat. If they see something bad wrong they issue no ticket. If it is a major saftey problem like no life jackets and a bunch of kids and you are launching they can call the local police or the US Coast Guard and report you. They are out there to help people understand what they need and what you are missing and are a great bunch of guys. If you have the time you can Join them. Every time I have been checked it was while we were getting boat ready to launch or after we retrieved in the tie down area. It taken less time than it takes us to get ready. They usually need your help to find the required gear for less than 10 minutes and every time I have been checked I enjoyed it. A great group of volinteers.

 

[dave11]

Re: USCG Saftey Inspection

I have only been stopped once. That was by the Florida State Highway Patrol who was in a big center console boat with probably 500HP? (LOL. Not that I am denigrating the State Police, but with me rowing in a 10 foot Portabote 50 feet from Gandy Beach, I had run out of gas, it seems like overkill.) He didn't board my boat, because he would have been aground if he came to where I was. He asked if I had my registration and wanted to see my life jacket. I was OK on both counts.

I would like to get a sticker for another boat, not the portabote. As stated above, apparently the USCG doesn't give stickers after a passed inspection. Apparently both the USCG Aux and the USPS do give stickers. What, if any, is the difference between the two groups' inspections? Are the stickers the same? Since they are both civilian orginizations, is it the same sticker from both groups? Is there a benefit to having the inspection done by one or the other?