Spring is the time of year to start thinking about a safe boating season.

Wawenock Sail and Power Squadron is offering boaters a free Vessel Safety Check ("VSE") at your boat, at a time of mutual convenience. There is no charge and no consequences if you don't pass. The goal is simply to help make boating as safe as possible for you, your family and your friends, through education.

Vessels passing safety checks are awarded a U.S. Coast Guard Decal that informs the Coast Guard, state, and other boating law-enforcement and safety agencies that your boat was in full compliance with all Federal and State boating laws during a safety check for that year. The examination needs to be completed on an annual basis to receive the current year’s decal.

The free check includes a number of items that are currently required by state and federal laws and, if missing or non-operating, can result in a citation if your vessel is stopped and inspected by the Coast Guard. If your boat does not pass the free VSC, no citation is issued at that time. Instead, you are provided a written report in how to correct any discrepancies.

A free Vessel Safety Check provides you with the peace of mind that your boat meets federal safety standards and that in an emergency you will have the necessary equipment to save lives and summon help. In addition, in many cases boating insurance agencies offer discounts for vessels which undergo a Vessel Safety Check every year.

For more information on how to schedule a free vessel safety check you can type "I want a vessel safety check" into any online search engine or email Paul Pinkham at ppinkham59@roadrunner.com, Vessel Safety Examiner for Wawenock Sail and Power Squadron.