Vessel Examination Program

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Recreational Safety Boating

Coast Guard discontinued support of the toll-free Boating Safety Hotline number 1-800-368-5647.  This number is listed on many pamphlets and boater education materials.  Please strike that number from such materials you have on hand, and promote the www.uscgboating.org site which still provides boat recall and other information, and the CG Auxiliary Hotline number 1-877-575-6296

 

Zebra and Quagga Mussel Inspections ÜNEW

A question recently surfaced about: As vessel examiners are we able to participate in the Zebra/Quagga mussel inspection program? The answer is...it depends. If you are simply educating the public on the Quagga and Zebra issues while acting as an Auxiliarist and doing a vessel safety check, no problem. Any type of "inspection" that would support a law enforcement type of activity is out of the question. If an Auxiliarist is in uniform (or Polo Shirt) and wants to be trained to perform some kind of "official inspection" on a citizen's boat, that would not be authorized.

The VSC is an examination of specific safety equipment that is mandated by federal, state and possibly local law. The VSC decal is then awarded for meeting these requirements. As with the CO decal, the mussel inspection program is NOT part of the VSC. The VSC decal will not be withheld if the vessel it has not received or passed a Zebra/Quagga mussel inspection, which may vary, from region or government entity. This opinion is in complete concurrence with Pete Urgola DC-V and DCO Vic Connell. If there are any questions regarding the policy, please don’t hesitate to contact me.   Mike Lauro DSO-VE

VESSEL SAFETY CHECK MISSION STATEMENT            

         The Vessel Safety Check is a cornerstone of the Coast Guard's Recreational Boating Safety program.

• The mission of this program is to minimize the loss of life, personal injury, property damage and environmental impact associated with the use of recreational boats, through preventive means.

• The Vessel Safety Check is much more than a compliance-oriented examination.

• It is an opportunity to help educate boaters through a direct face-to-face boating information exchange.

VESSEL EXAMINER STAFF

 

              The District Staff Officers and Division Staff Officers are available with support and information:

 

                          Mike Lauro DSO-VE                        Joaquin Duran  ADSO-VE

 

DIV 1   Richard A. Saber DIV 3   James Goff DIV 4   Joaquin P. Duran DIV 5   Robert E. Smith DIV 6   Stanley T. Wolfberg

DIV 7   Riley A. Turpin DIV 8   Douglas R. Pohlson DIV 10 Michael J. Lauro DIV 11 Ray Ellen Wisse DIV 12 Richard Scheuerman

DSO-VE REPORTS:   Goals 2008  

                                   May 2008

                                   April 2008

                                   March 2008

                                   February 2008 

                                   November 2007  

 

JOB DESCRIPTIONS:   SO-VE     FSO-VE   

 

D11NR VESSEL EXAMINER INFORMATION

• D11NR Newsletters:  May 2008  ÜNEW   April 2008   January 2008    October 2007

• National Newsletter, "For Safety Sakes" V Dept Publication  

• How to Preform exam for Vessel Facility/Operational Vessel/PWC Facility (OPFAC)

• How to Perform a VSC on a Personal Water Craft (PWC) 

• How to Perform a VSC on a Sport Utility Boat (SUB)  

• Requirement of the California Carbon Monoxide (CO) Decal

• Examiner Etiquette

Examiner Etiquette Wear the proper uniform and wear it CORRECTLY. If with other examiners, try to wear the same uniform. Don’t ask if the boater would like a vessel safety check-they’ll probably say NO!!! Explain the VSC and politely direct them to the examination area. When greeting the boater, do NOT lean on their truck. Do NOT use the word INSPECTION! The VSC is an examination-not and inspection! When discussing safety, make eye contact with the driver and the passenger especially when children are present. Do not stand on the boat trailer to look in vessel unless you ask. Do not put your clipboard or lean on the boat Answer questions truthfully and be prepared to substantiate the answer. Do NOT lie! It is better to not know than to guess or lie. Know your local state boating regulations and Federal Requirements booklets. Limit the examination to 10-15 minutes for trailer boaters-20 to 30 minutes for large vessels. On large vessels ask permission PRIOR to boarding-ASK and be prepared to remove your shoes! Do NOT SMOKE at the VSC station or around boaters while in uniform! Do not discuss any prior VSC activity with other examiners when other boaters are in the area. You voice travels and you never know who might over hear your comments. Do NOT use profanity! Remove plastic bags from life jackets and YOU dispose them. If you promise a return call, be sure to follow up. Always find something to compliment the boater. Pass or fail, shake the owners hand, congratulate and thank him on a job well done. If the boater fails, offer a recheck and thank him for their time. Above all else - BE POLITE!      MAY I,  PLEASE, and THANK YOU go a long way. Bill Correll and Tony Leonardi from Flotilla 10-03 with the Sacramento Bayliner Club proudly showing their VSC decals on Saturday, February 16, 2008

QUALIFICATION, RE-QUALIFICATION, and CURRENCY

Qualification Study Opportunities

     Study VSC Manual M16796.8 by downloading

     In addition, be current with the  Errate (changes)

     Familiarize with forms below: ANSC-7003, ANSC-7008, ANSC-7012, ANSC-7038

     Preparation for the exam is available through VSC Review on Power Point

     Familiarize inspection of CG Auxiliary Operational Facilities (OPFAC) Manual Supplement 
                                             and Facility Review on Power Point

     Unit VE training is most successful, such as district Past Captain's Fair (PCF) classes

 

Vessel Examiner Exam

    Member Trainer or Instructor may proctor an exam as provided during a VE class, OR

    Use the on-line open book Vessel Examiner Course Exam

    Compete 5 VSCs under the supervision of a qualified examiner

    Submit D11NR Form MT-2  to report qualification to FC for forwarding to DIRAUX
 

VE two day classes including exam, are available during the Past Captains Fair, Coast Guard Island, in February and August as listed on the D11NR Calendar...link

 

Re-qualification

Within 5 years, a re-qualifying examiner needs to perform 2 VSC's with a qualified examiner who receives the credit. A separate 7038 is to be completed and the MT-2 form is then signed by the examiner, the FC, and then faxed or mailed to the DIRAUX office. In addition, 5 VSC's MUST be performed prior to the end of the calendar year.
 

After 5 years, retake the test and perform 5 VSC's with a qualified examiner.

Annual Currency is maintained by completing 5 Vessel Safety Checks yearly

    The VE Workshop for 2008 is not mandatory but encouraged for understanding of the
   current Vessel Examiners Program. Download or order CD ANSC 2001A from FSO-MA.

 

AUXDATA RECORDS   ÜNEW

Vessel Safety Checks are recorded on ANSC 7038 and submitted to the FSO-IS for entering into AUXDATA.  Weekly AUXINFO is refreshed from AUXDATA.  To view a member's records, click on the link below, then click on the division, and then the flotilla: AUXINFO

 

VE FORMS AND MATERIALS  (COPIES should be kept of ALL documents)

 

MT-2	D11NR Form, member completes, FC signs and submits to DIRAUX
ANSC 7003	Vessel Facility Examination and Offer for Use: Submit annually to DIRAUX
ANSC 7008	PWC Facility Examination and Offer for Use: Submit annually to DIRAUX
ANSC 7012	Vessel Safety Check: Present to boater and retain a copy
ANSC 7038	Activity Report Vessel Examination: Submit to IS Officer and retain a copy
ANSC VSC	VSC Decal and Material Order Form: Ordered by DCP, FC, SO-VE, or FS-VE
VSC Manual	Vessel Safety Check Manual (M16796.8)
Manual Errata	Changes for Vessel Safety Check Manual (M16796.8)
OPFAX	USCG Auxiliary Facility Vessel Requirements
Decal Graphics	For years: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
VSC Coupon	West Marine Coupon offers 10% - (Black&White - 3 MB) ÜUPDATED

D11NR AWARDS AND RECOGNITION 

 

VSC	AWARD	PRESENTATION
20 or more	District certificate of Outstanding Achievement and a special token	Flotilla Meeting
40 or more	National Certificate of Recognition at STAR level from the National Commodore, usually about mid-year after achievement	Flotilla Meeting
60 or more	National ribbon and miniature medal or Bronze star for repeat performance through the DIRAUX office District recognition will be presented	Flotilla Meeting    Division  COW
120 or more	National RBS Annual Cap On Recognition within 1 year OR achieve combination 120 hours with any of the following: Vessel Safety Check, Public Affairs, Public Education, Legislative Outreach, State RBS Outreach	Division  COW
240 or more	National RBS Device within 2 consecutive years OR achieve combination 240 hours with any of the following: Vessel Safety Check, Public Affairs, Public Education, Legislative Outreach, State RBS Outreach	Member Request

Additional National RBS Award Information

If you have any questions regarding the District/National Vessel Examiner awards program,
please contact Mike Lauro DSO-VE.
 

USEFUL LINKS - Organizations Focus on Recreational Boating Safety

USCG AUXILIARY 'V' DEPARTMENT NEWSLETTER - "For Safety's Sake"

AMERICA'S BOATING CLUB - United States Power Squadron

BOAT NEVADA - Nevada Department of Wildlife

BOAT US - Boat Owners Association of America

BOATING - Utah State Parks

BOATING SAFETY - United States Coast Guard

CAL BOATING - California Department of Boating and Waterways

CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS - National Archives and Records Administration

COMMANDER BOB'S BOATING SAFETY NOTEBOOK -  Commander Bob

NASBLA - The National Association State Boating Laws Administrators

RBOC - Recreational Boaters of California

SAFER BOATING THROUGH EDUCATION - National Safe Boating Council

SETTING STANDARDS FOR SAFE BOATING - America Boat and Yacht Council

VESSEL EXAMINER WORKSHOP 2008 - United State Coast Guard Auxiliary

WEAR IT - National Safe Boating Council

WEAR IT IN CALIFORNIA - Photos focus on a special VSC by Mike Lauro DSO-VE

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Vessel Safety Checks save lives

 

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