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The U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers free boat safety checks to boaters who wish to be sure that
their boats meet all
federal
and
state
safety
requirements.
The Vessel Examiners who perform these
checks are specially trained Auxiliarists who are kept informed of the latest legal requirements for
boaters. Vessel Examiners have no legal authority - their goal is to prevent boaters from getting
equipment-related citations and to prevent safety-related accidents. Not only is it a safety check but it also
is designed to help educate the recreational boater on Federal and local regulations and
other matters which may affect safety.
Vessel
Safety Checks are performed on standard
powerboats and sailboats and personal watercraft (PWC's).
Click
here to request a FREE Vessel Safety Check
for Greater Portland, ME and surrounding communities.
Click
here for schedule of where we will be doing Vessel Safety Checks.
To request a
FREE Vessel Safety Check
for
all other areas
click
here.
"Show
me a better reason to wear a life jacket!"
Safe
Boating Tips And Help Items
Always
file a Float Plan before going boating. More
information is available at this link Float
Plan Central.
State
of Maine and Federal Accident reporting information
For
State of Maine Accident reporting information click this
link
Snowmobile,
ATV, Watercraft Accident Report Form or
you can download the form by a right click on this link
Maine
State Watercraft Accident Report Form to
download the form in Adobe PDF.
If you are unable to download the report form, please
call 207-287-8000
Most accidents will require above report for State Of Maine. However in
some cases you may need to fill out a Federal Form.
Right
click here to download the form in Adobe
PDF. For
more information on where to report accidents to
click
here.
Pre-Departure
Check List for Boaters
Things
to check before getting underway
Float
plan - let a friend know when you're leaving, where you're
going, when you expect to return, what to do if you don't,
and a description of your boat.
Personal
Flotation Devices (PFD's)
At
least one Coast Guard approved device per passenger and a
minimum of two onboard. An additional throwable device is
required if the vessel is more than 16 feet long.
Explain the location and use of all PFD's to passengers and
crew that may be new to the vessel.
Sound
Producing Devices (Whistle)
Must
have a horn capable of producing a four-second blast audible
for at least 1/2 mile. If a portable air horn, have a spare
can of air or an alternate device.
Lights
and Shapes
All
navigation lights, as required, in working order.
Instrumental lights working. If you intend to engage
in an activity that requires a day shape, have the required
shapes. Flashlight onboard.
Distress
Signals
Accessible
flares, day signals, etc., stored in a dry location.
Carry signals at all times even if not required by the Coast
Guard. Inform the crew and passengers of their
location and their use.
Tools
and Spares
Basic
tool box onboard and a bucket for bailing. Box of
spares aboard, e.g. fuel filter, light bulbs, head parts,
through-hull plugs, etc.
Ventilation
On
any powered vessel or auxiliary powered sailboat, or vessels
using LPG for cooking or heat, check that all interior spaces
are well ventilated before departure. If fuel smells
are detected before ventilating, check after running the
blowers for several minutes before starting. If odor
persists, look for the source.
Fire
Extinguishers
Accessible
fire extinguisher. Do you have at least those required by
the U.S.C.G.? Check to be sure mounts are secure and
functional before departure.
Fuel
and Oil
Are
your tanks topped-off? If not, have enough fuel to provide a
reasonable margin of safety for your return. Check the
engine oil and coolant level.
Make
sure to carry oars or paddles. In some states it is a
requirement.
Bilges
Check
to be sure bilges are reasonably dry and that pumps are not
running excessively. Clean up any spilled oil or waste in
bilges to prevent overboard discharge.
Battery
Care
If
you have a dual charging system, is the selector switch in
the proper position? Is the power on to the entire
vessel? Spare batteries for accessories such as a
hand-held radio, flashlight, portable navigational aid, etc.
If they are rechargeable, are they charged?
Weather
Forecast
Did
you check the weather forecast? Radio onboard to
receive weather updates.
Docking
and Anchoring
At
least one anchor set up and bent-on to your anchor
line. Two or three extra docklines in case of unusual
conditions dockside. Visually inspect the lines you
use for chafe or wear. At least two fenders onboard for
docking or towing if required.
Documentation
Have
the ship's papers, registration, radio license, license or
boating safety course I.D., fishing permit, etc.
onboard. Have the chart or charts for the area you
intend to cruise in, regardless of your level of local
knowledge.
Boating
Offshore
- EXPIRE
and Life raft
Trailer
Boating
Before
leaving home: Is the battery charged? Do you
have the keys to the boat? Is the plug in the boat?
Trailer
Checks
Check
tire pressure and grease wheel bearings. Make sure hitch is
secure and safety chains attached. Make sure boat is tied
down properly.
LOOK
BEFORE BACKING UP.
Sailing
Vessels
Check
sails, lines, sheets and rigging. Don't forget the tiller
and centerboard. WATCH FOR OVERHEAD POWER LINES when raising
the mast.
Acquaint
all passengers with use and location of safety equipment,
radio, docking & undocking plans, etc.
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