Initial VSC Training Program
Purpose
To qualify members
as Vessel Examiners
4/8/2015
Vessel Examiners – We Deliver
1
Chapter 1
4/8/2015
one of three

Definitions

The VSC Program

The Vessel Examiner

The Vessel Safety
Check
2
Chapter 1 –
The Vessel Safety Check Program

VSCs are generally
performed on
recreational boats
under 65 feet. VSC
requirements parallel
federal regulations
regarding equipment
and safety conditions
of the vessel.
Vessel Examiners – We Deliver
4/8/2015
3
Chapter 1




two of three
Vessels eligible for the
VSC
Vessels NOT eligible
for the VSC
Activities beyond the
scope of the VSC
Relations with Law
Enforcement officials
4/8/2015
4
Chapter 1

District supervision of
the VSC Program

VSC performed
outside your home
District

Vessel Examiner
qualifications
4/8/2015
three of three
5
Chapter 2 –
Vessel Safety Check Techniques

This chapter
addresses the
techniques that the
Vessel Examiner
should be aware of
and adhere to when
performing a Vessel
Safety Check
4/8/2015
6
Chapter 3 –
The VSC Decal Requirements

This chapter
focuses on what the
Vessel Examiner
and the boater need
to understand to
ensure the safety of
the boat and its
passengers.
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7
Coast Guard Approved and
Certified Equipment
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8
Vessel Safety Check Decal
Requirements
ITEM 1 - Display of Numbers
VSC Manual Page 11
4/8/2015
9
Letters and numbers must be:
At least 3” high.
Block-type letters.
Color contrast with hull color.
Space or hyphen between letters and
numbers equal to the width of another
letter except “I”.
Attached to forward half of the boat.
State decal is placed according to the
requirements of the state of registration
(Aft of numbers in Washington)
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10
Boat Numbers
PLACEMENT
Painted or Attached
to Each Side of Bow
Always Read Left to Right
CHARACTERS
Block not less than
3 inches high
WN 1234 AB
COLOR
Must be of a Color
Contrasting to the
Background
WN 1234 AB
WN-1234-AB
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SPACING
Hyphen or Equivalent Space
Between 3 Parts of Number
WN1234AB
FL 1234 AB
11
Incorrect numbers
Not permanently attached
4/8/2015 Under overhang
Not block
No spaces
Not contrasting color
12
Incorrect numbers (cont.)
Dark numbers on a tinted window and no spaces
Backwards (right to left)
Check both sides
4/8/2015
13
Registration / Documentation
State Registration
• Must be registered in the State of principal use.
Documented vessel with a hailing port of Washington or Oregon
must be registered.
Documented vessel owned in Idaho is not required to be
registered.
• Vessel numbers are obtained from the State.
Vessel numbers remain with the vessel after it is sold. Unless sold
to outside of the State.
Some boats don’t require registration. Check State requirements.
• If operator’s name doesn’t match owner’s, VE must be satisfied that
the operator is authorized to use the boat.
• Verify that registration # on boat agrees with registration papers.
• Check Registration is signed.
• Check hasn’t passed the expiration date.
• Must be aboard whenever vessel is being used.
4/8/2015
14
Reading the Washington State “Registration Certificate”
for a registered vessel
Documentation Official Number
(if is documented)
Expiration Date
Hull Id Number
Registration Number
PJGPJ12
Fuel Type
Length
feet
G = gasoline
D = Diesel
Owner(s)
Signature(s)
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15
Documented Vessel
• Documentation managed by US Coast Guard.
• Name & hailing port (city & state) must be together, clearly visible,
at least 4 inches, & on exterior of hull.
• Official # must be permanently marked (can’t be obliterated) on
interior structure of hull in block Arabic #s, at least 3 inches high,
clearly visible, preceded by letters “No.”.
• Name, hailing port, & official # on boat must agree with
documentation.
• State revenue decal must be affixed to boat per State requirements.
Required to Not show State registration #.
Washington State decals must be affixed to both sides of forward
half of vessel.
Oregon State decals must be affixed to both sides of aft half of
vessel.
Idaho no decal is required.
• Check within passed the expiration date.
• Documentation must be aboard whenever vessel is being used.
4/8/2015
16
How to read a “Certificate of Documentation” for a
documented vessel
Official Number
Vessel Name
Hull Id Number
Length
feet
Hailing Port
Owner / Operator
Expiration Date
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17
Name & Port are not clearly legible or visible.
State decal on fwd half of boat
Proper & permanent Documentation #
Note: on inside of hull & over coated
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18
Vessel Safety Check
ITEM 2 – Registration / Documentation
VSC Manual Page 11
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19
The Legal Paperwork
one of two
State Registration
Must be registered in the state of
principal use.
Vessel numbers are obtained from the
State
Vessel numbers remain with the
vessel after it is sold.
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20
The Legal Paperwork
two of two
Documented Vessel
 5 or more net tons (capacity).
 Pleasure use only.
 Owner must be US Citizen.
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21
Hull Identification Number
HIN
 Usually on Starboard Side of Transom
 Must be on hull not top structure. May near
the waterline

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22
Hull Identification Number
MANUFACTURERS
I.D. CODE

HULL SERIAL
NUMBER
DATE OF
CERTIFICATION
Before July 31, 1984
A B C 4 5 6 7 8 M 7 3 E
MANUFACTURERS
I.D. CODE

HULL SERIAL
NUMBER
OPTIONAL METHOD
DATE OFCERTIFICATION
Since August 1, 1984
A B C 4 5 6 7 8 A 4 9 2
MANUFACTURERS
I.D. CODE
4/8/2015
HULL SERIAL
NUMBER
DATE OF
CERTIFICATION
MODEL
YEAR
23
Measuring the Length of Boats
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24
Decal Requirements
ITEM 3 – Life Jackets (PFDs)
VSC Manual Page 13
4/8/2015
25
Life Jackets (PFDs) one of two
Must Be Coast Guard approved
and suitable size for wearer
 For boats Less than 16’
 One wearable for each person
 For boats 16’ and longer
 One wearable for each person
 PLUS one throwable on the boat

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26
4/8/2015
27
Type IV Throwable
Designed to be thrown, NOT WORN.
 Must have on aboard for boats 16 feet or
longer.

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28
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29
Type V


May provide the
performance of Type
I, II or III as marked
on the label
The label may state
“approved only when
worn”, if so, it must be
worn during the VSC.
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30
Fully inflatable Life Jacket




4/8/2015
Must be worn!
May perform as a type
II or III when inflated
Manual and/or
automatic inflatable
Checking this device
31
PWC Riding & Water Skiing

PWCs (AKA Jet Skies) and Water Skiers can
easily exceed the structural capability of regular
life jackets. They may tear off on impact.
Therefore

Speed Rated Life Jackets are required on PWCs
and Water Skiers. They are available rated to
50 MPH – 75 MPH – 100 MPH
4/8/2015
32
Decal Requirements
ITEM 4 – Visual Distress Signals
VSC Manual Page 16
4/8/2015
33
Visual Distress Signal Required
Approved VDS for:
 All vessels > 16 feet
 Operating on the “high seas”, Great Lakes
or Coastal waters of the US
 ALL other boats must carry a suitable
means of distress signaling
 Others need not be USCG approved
( Flashlight, etc)
4/8/2015
34
Visual Distress Signals

Day - Night

Pyrotechnic - Non-Pyrotechnic

Coastal Waters - Great Lakes –
Inland Waters
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35
Non Pyrotechnic Visual Distress
Signals

Day

Night
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36
4/8/2015
37
Visual Distress Signals (VDS)
Pyrotechnic Devices



4/8/2015
Orange Smoke (Day)
Hand Held Flares (Day & Night)
Aerial Flares (Day & Night)
38
Visual Distress Signals (VDS)
Nighttime Non-Pyrotechnic Devices
 Flash Light (SOS)
 Strobe Light
(Inland Waters Only)
50-70 Flashes per Minute
4/8/2015
39
Decal Requirements
ITEM 5 – Fire Extinguishers
VSC Manual Page 17
4/8/2015
40
Fire Extinguishers
Must be Coast Guard approved
 Coast Guard classification
 B-I, B-II
 Indicates weight of agent
 Type of fire

4/8/2015
41
Types of Fire Extinguishers

Carbon Dioxide

Dry Chemicals

FE 241, FM 200 &
Halotron*
*Replacements for Halon
4/8/2015
42
Class B Fire Extinguishers
Coast Guard
Classification
(type-size)
B-I
Underwriter’s
Laboratory
Listing
5B
10B
Carbon
Dioxide
(lbs.)
4
15
Dry
Chemical
(lbs.)
2
10
2.5
10
Halon
(lbs.)
4/8/2015
B-II
43
Minimum Number of Hand Portable
Fire Extinguishers With and Without
Fixed Extinguishing Systems
Length of Vessel
Less than 26 feet
No fixed
system in
machinery space
1 B-I
26 ft. to under 40 ft. 2 B-I or 1 B-II
40 ft. to 65 ft.
4/8/2015
3 B-I or
1 B-I and 1 B-II
Fixed fire
extinguishing
system in
machinery space
None
1 B-I
2 B-I or 1 B-II
44
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
4/8/2015
45
Decal Requirements
ITEM 6 - Ventilation
VSC Manual Page 19
4/8/2015
46
Ventilation System
General Precautions:
Use your Nose
If you smell gasoline,
DO NOT START THE ENGINE.
Find the source of the leak
and fix it!
4/8/2015
47
Ventilation
Ventilation is not required in
open boats.
(Engine and Fuel tank are
out in the open.)
4/8/2015
48
Ventilation Systems
Powered Ventilation Systems
4/8/2015
49
Ventilation Systems
Powered Ventilation Systems
4/8/2015
50
Natural Ventilation
4/8/2015
51
Have Proper Ventilation
4/8/2015
52
Warning Label
Warning
Gas vapors can explode
Before starting engine, check engine
compartment and bilge for gas vapors
(Sniff)
Then - operate blower for four minutes
4/8/2015
53
Decal Requirements
ITEM 7 – Backfire Flame Control
VSC Manual Page 21
4/8/2015
54
Inboard Engines Must Have
Backfire Flame Control
4/8/2015
55
Backfire Flame Control
4/8/2015
56
Decal Requirements
ITEM 8 – Sound Producing Devices
VSC Manual Page 22
4/8/2015
57
Sound Producing Devices

Electric Horn

Airhorn

Coach’s Whistle

Whistle
4/8/2015
58
Sound Producing Devices
Audibility Range Required:
Less than 65 feet long ----- 0.5 mile
Longer than 65 feet ----- 1 mile
4/8/2015
59
Requirements over 39.4 ft. *?

Whistle or horn

Bell
4/8/2015
60
PWC Operator Should Have
Whistle Attached To Life Jacket.
4/8/2015
61
Decal Requirements
ITEM 9 – Navigation Lights
VSC Manual Page 22
4/8/2015
62
Definitions






Sidelight
Sternlight
Towing light
All-Around light
Flashing light
Special flashing light
4/8/2015
63
Arc of visibility





Port – red 112.5o
Starboard – green
112.5o
Stern – white 135o
Masthead – white 225o
Anchor – white 360o
4/8/2015
64
Vessels under 65 feet
4/8/2015
65
Vessels under 39.4 feet may:
4/8/2015
66
Sail <23 feet and Vessel
under oars may:
Carry a flashlight or lantern
showing a white light that could
be displayed in time to prevent a
collision
4/8/2015
67
Additional Requirements

Anchor lights
 Exclusions

Sailboat when under
power is a power boat
4/8/2015
68
Decal Requirements
ITEM 10 – Pollution Placard
VSC Manual Page 25
4/8/2015
69
The Federal Water
Pollution Control Act

Prohibits the discharge of oil or hazardous substances which may be
harmful into U.S. navigable waters.

Vessels longer than 26 feet must display a placard
 5 x 8 durable material
 In a conspicuous place near pump station and machinery space
May be ordered free from USPS Insurance Provider on VSC Web Site 70
4/8/2015
Decal Requirements
ITEM 11 – MARPOL Placard
VSC Manual Page 25
4/8/2015
72
MARPOL Placards

The “International Convention for the
Prevention of Pollution from Ships”
(Marine Pollution Limitation = MARPOL
ANNEX V) places limitations on the
discharge of garbage from vessels. It is
illegal to dump plastic anywhere in the
ocean or navigable waters of the United
States.
4/8/2015
73
MARPOL Placard
United
States vessels of 26 feet or longer must display, in a prominent
location, a durable, placard at least 4 x 9 inches notifying the crew and
passengers of the discharge restrictions.
May be ordered free from USPS Insurance Provider on VSC Web Site
4/8/2015
75
MARPOL Exceptions

Recreational vessels used exclusively in
the Great Lakes may use the Annex V
placards or a specially developed
placard that prohibits the dumping of
garbage.

The trash placard is NOT required on
inland lakes and sole state waters.
4/8/2015
76
Trash Plan Requirement

Boats 40 ft or longer and are equipped
with a galley and berthing must have a
written
Trash Management Plan
4/8/2015
77
Decal Requirements
ITEM 12 – Marine Sanitation Devices
VSC Manual Page 26
4/8/2015
78
MSD Requirements

All recreational vessels with installed toilet
facilities MUST have an operable marine
sanitation device (MSD) on board. Direct
discharge toilets are illegal.
 Vessels < 65 feet may install type I, II or III
MSD
 Vessels longer than or equal to 65 feet
must install a type II or III MSD
4/8/2015
79
Types of MSD
Type I and Type II devices have the
ability to treat waste and discharge
overboard.
Type III devices re-circulate waste.
They are discharged at a pump out
station or offshore in a legal dumping
area.
4/8/2015
80
No-Discharge Area
A Type I or II flowthrough MSD must
be adequately
secured while the
vessel is in a nodischarge area to
prevent any
overboard discharge
of treated or
untreated sewage.
4/8/2015
81
Decal Requirements
ITEM 13 – Navigation Rules
VSC Manual Page 26
4/8/2015
82
Carriage of Inland
Navigation Rules

4/8/2015
Self propelled vessel
39.4 feet or longer shall
carry on board and
maintain for ready
reference a complete
and current copy of the
Navigation Rules.
83
Decal Requirements
ITEM 14 – State and Local Requirements
VSC Manual Page 26
4/8/2015
84
State and Local Requirements

The requirements of the state where the VSC
is conducted will be included in the VSC.

While states may require liability insurance,
license restrictions, or specific activity
equipment, only equipment directly related to
vessel safety or items on the VSC checklist
will be considered.
4/8/2015
85
Vessel Check Decal Requirements
ITEM 15 – Overall Vessel Condition
VSC Manual Page 26
4/8/2015
86
Overall Vessel Condition
The vessel must be in safe overall
condition in order to meet the final
requirement for the VSC decal.
 Items critical to the safety of the vessel
must be acceptable before the VE awards
the VSC decal.

4/8/2015
87
Overall Vessel Condition






Deck free of hazards
Clean Bilge
Electrical Systems
Fuel Systems
Galley
Heating System
4/8/2015
88
Electrical and Fuel Systems
4/8/2015
89
Galley and Heating Systems
4/8/2015
90
Recommended
and
Discussion Items
4/8/2015
91
Marine Radio





4/8/2015
Distress Calls
 MAYDAY
 PAN-PAN
 SECURITY
Radio Licenses
Radio Listening Watch
DCS Radios & GPS
False Distress Signals
92
Dewatering Devices and Backup

At least one effective
dewatering device

Also one manual
device such as a pail
or hand pump
4/8/2015
93
Mounted Fire Extinguishers

4/8/2015
While it is NOT
required to mount
fire extinguishers, it
is recommended
that they be
mounted in a readily
visible and
consistent location
known to all aboard.
94
Should Have An Anchor
And Line Suitable For
Boat And Boating Area.
4/8/2015
95
First Aid Kits

Boaters are encouraged
to carry additional
safety equipment
including a First Aid
Kit. These can be
purchased in various
sizes, depending on the
type of boating a person
does (small lakes versus
offshore cruising).
4/8/2015
96
Person in Water Kits

A line attached to the
Life Jacket or ring
thrown to a PIW will
provide a means for
pulling the Person in
the Water back to
the vessel.
4/8/2015
97
VDS Onboard for Inland Use
 Although
not
required it is
always a good
idea to have a
way to signal for
HELP.
4/8/2015
98
Capacity Plate Information


Outboards
 U.S. Coast Guard Capacity Information
 Maximum Horse Power
 Maximum Persons Capacity
 Maximum Weight Capacity
• Persons Motor & Gear
Inboards
 U.S. Coast Guard Capacity Information
 Maximum Persons Capacity
 Maximum Weight Capacity
• Persons Motor & Gear
4/8/2015
99
Capacity Plate for Outboards
U.S. COAST GUARD CAPACITY INFORMATION
MAXIMUM HORSE POWER
MAXIMUM PERSONS CAPACITY (POUNDS)
MAXIMUM WEIGHT CAPACITY
PERSONS MOTOR & GEAR (POUNDS)
4/8/2015
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Capacity Plate for Inboards
U.S. COAST GUARD CAPACITY INFORMATION
MAXIMUM PERSONS CAPACITY (POUNDS)
MAXIMUM WEIGHT CAPACITY
PERSONS MOTOR & GEAR (POUNDS)
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Compliance Plate
THIS BOAT COMPLIES WITH U.S. COST GUARD
SAFETY STANDARDS IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF
CERTIFICATION
MODEL NO.
SERIAL NO.
MFD BY
4/8/2015
102
Discussion Items
one of two
a. Accident reporting /
Owner responsibility
b. Offshore Operation
c. Nautical Charts /
Navigation Aids
d. Survival Tips / First
Aid
4/8/2015
103
Discussion Items
two of two
e. Fueling / Fuel Mgt.
f. Float Plan / Weather
& Sea Conditions
g. Insurance
Considerations
h. Boating Check List
i. Safe Boating Classes
4/8/2015
104
Some more topics for discussion
4/8/2015
105
Warning Systems
Fire Detectors
Smoke Detectors
Combustible Fumes Detectors
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
 Fire Extinguisher Alarms
4/8/2015
106
4/8/2015
107
Emergency Gear Bag
Emergency
Gear Bag
4/8/2015
108
4/8/2015
109
Chapter 5 –
Forms and Materials

This chapter
provides
information on
resources and forms
applicable to the
Vessel Safety
Check Program.
4/8/2015
110
Chapter 5
Federal Requirements Pamphlet
 Coast Guard Infoline
 State Boating Handbook
 VSC Form 7012
 Submitted to Squadron Chair
 Chair files online with HQ

4/8/2015
111
Useful WEB Sites

USPS National Page – www.USPS.org

USPS VSC Pg - www.usps.org/national/vsc/

VSC National Public Page – www.SafetySeal.net
CG Auxiliary National Page – www.CGAUX.org

4/8/2015
112
Thank you for
your attention
and
enjoy the VSC
program
4/8/2015
113
4/8/2015
114
You should have taken
the Review Quiz!
The End
LAST
CHANCE
TO REVIEW ALL
POP QUIZES!
(FOLLOW THE
TO END)
4/8/2015
115
Thanks for taking the Review
quiz! Click here to see what
happens if you had not!
The End
4/8/2015
116
Thank you for
your attention
and
enjoy the VSC
program
4/8/2015
117
Incorrect numbers
Not permanently attached
4/8/2015 Under overhang
Not block
No spaces
Not contrasting color
118
Incorrect numbers (cont.)
Dark numbers on a tinted window and no spaces
Backwards (right to left)
Check both sides
4/8/2015
119
Registration / Documentation
State Registration (in Oregon called “Certificate of Number”)
• Must be registered in the State of principal use.
Documented vessel with a hailing port of Washington or Oregon must be registered.
Documented vessel with a hailing port of Idaho is not required to be registered.
• Vessel numbers are obtained from the State.
Vessel numbers remain with the vessel after it is sold. Unless sold to outside of the
State.
Some boats don’t require registration. Check State requirements.
• If operator’s name doesn’t match owner’s, VE must be satisfied that the
operator is authorized to use the boat.
• Verify that registration # on boat agrees with registration papers.
• Check Registration is signed.
• Check hasn’t passed the expiration date.
• Must be aboard whenever vessel is being used.
4/8/2015
120
Reading the Washington State “Registration Certificate”
for a registered vessel
Documentation Official Number
(if is documented)
Registration Number
Expiration Date
Hull Id Number
PJGPJ12
Fuel Type
Length
feet
G = gasoline
D = Diesel
Owner(s)
Signature(s)
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Documented Vessel
• Must be at least 5 net tons.
• Vessel owned by an U.S. citizen or corporation.
• Documentation is obtained from the US Coast Guard.
• Verify name & hailing port (city & state) are mark together, clearly legible &
visible, height at least 4 inches, & on exterior of hull.
• Verify official # is permanently marked (can’t be obliterated) on interior
structure of hull in block Arabic #s, height at least 3 inches, clearly visible, &
preceded by letters “No.”.
• Verify name, hailing port, & official # on boat agrees with documentation papers.
• Check State registration decal is affixed to boat per State requirements.
Required to Not show State registration #.
Washington State decals must be affixed to both sides of forward half of vessel.
Oregon State decals must be affixed to both sides of aft half of vessel.
Idaho no decal is required.
• Check hasn’t passed the expiration date.
• Must be aboard whenever vessel is being used.
4/8/2015
122
How to read a “Certificate of Documentation” for a
documented vessel
Official Number
Vessel Name
Hull Id Number
Length
feet
Hailing Port
Owner / Operator
Expiration Date
4/8/2015
123
Name & Port are not clearly legible or visible.
State decal on fwd half of boat
Proper & permanent Documentation #
Note: on inside of hull & over coated
4/8/2015
124
Pollution Placard
Vessels 26 ft in length & over must display a placard at least 5 by 8 inches, made
of durable material, fixed in a conspicuous place in the machinery spaces, or at the
bilge pump control station, stating the following:
A vessel with propulsion machinery must have the capacity to retain oil mixtures on
board and a fixed or portable method to discharge oil waste to a reception facility is
required. For a recreational boat a bucket of bailer is suitable.
VSCM pg 25 4/8/2015
& Fed’l & ABWH
& AVEM pg 3-37 & 6-56
125
MARPOL
Trash
Placard
United States vessels of 26 feet or longer must display, in a prominent location,
a durable, placard at least 4 x 9 inches notifying the crew and passengers of the
discharge restrictions.
United States oceangoing vessels of 40 ft or longer, which are engaged in commerce or
equipped with a galley & berthing, must have a written Waste Management Plan describing
the procedures for collecting, processing, storing and discharging garbage, and designate the
person who is in charge of carrying out the plan.
VSCM pg 25 4/8/2015
& Fed’l & ABWH
& AVEM pg 3-37 & 6-57
126