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Vessel Safety Checks Not Affected By Inflation – They Are Still Free

Lake Wylie, NC/SC - In 1947 when the Vessel Safety Check program began $10.00 had about the same buying power that $92.81 has today. And while the cost of everything has gone up, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary can proudly proclaim one thing definitely has not – our free Vessel Safety Checks. Although free, the value of the life that may be saved by taking advantage of a Vessel Check Safety is priceless.

With the Memorial Day weekend (the traditional start of the recreational boating season) just around the corner, now is a great time for all boaters (from kayakers and jet skiers to year-round recreational boaters) to take advantage of a free Vessel Safety Check. Now is also a great time to take advantage of one of the many boating safety courses offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and become acquainted or even reacquainted with basic boating skills, seamanship and the most current rules and regulations that may also save a live or prevent and accident.

Vessel Safety Checks are conducted by qualified members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and are the best way of learning about problems that might be a violation of state or federal laws and provide the boating public with additional safety tips that could possibly mitigate or eliminate preventable danger on the water.
To find a Vessel Examiner go to www.vesselsafetycheck.org and click on "I Want a VSC" to find a Vessel Examiner near you.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian component of the United States Coast Guard. Created by an Act of Congress in 1939, the Auxiliary directly supports the Coast Guard in all missions, except military and direct law enforcement actions. The Coast Guard Auxiliary is an integral part of the United States Coast Guard. For more information visit www.cgaux.org if you are ready to join visit http://join.cgaux.org/ .

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[Posted: 11 May 2008. Source: FSO-PA 17-05]