Sunday, November 15, 2026
Flotilla Staff Officer for Vessel Exams, John Moyer, verifying the registration information as part of the FREE Vessel Safety Check.
A Free Vessel Safety Check (VSC) is performed at your boat − ranging in locations from boat to your driveway. A vessel safety check usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending upon the size of your boat.
What's In it For Me?
Vessels passing safety checks are awarded a U.S. Coast Guard / Auxiliary Decal that informs:
that your boat was in full compliance with all Federal and State boating laws during a safety check for that year. Best of all every Vessel Safety Check is 100% Free of charge!
What if I Don't Pass?
If your boat does not pass, no citation is issued at that time. Instead, you are provided a written report on how to correct any discrepancies.
Why Receive a FREE Vessel Safety Check?
Safety! 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 many cases boating insurance agencies offer discounts for vessels which undergo a Vessel Safety Check every year. All decals and safety checks are void December 31st of the year they are inspected and they are also void should the operator/owner fail to maintain the vessel's equipment or the vessel itself to the standard at the time of the safety check.
What Type of Items Are Checked?
All these items are currently required by state and federal laws and, if missing or non-operating, can result in a citation if your vessel is inspected by the Coast Guard, Sheriff or Marine Police.
The form also covers recommended safety items such as:
The inspectors will also engage in discussions with the boat’s owner for additional items depending on the type of boating activities they plan to pursue. They might even suggest taking a safe boating class to a novice boat owner or one unfamiliar with the waterways around Marco Island.
If all mandatory inspection items are in order, the examiner awards a safety inspection decal, which is then affixed to the port or left side of the vessel nearest the helm. The inspection decal is valid from the date of issuance through December 31st for the year printed on the decal. If any deficiencies are detected no decal is awarded. However, these deficiencies should be corrected to ensure the boater has the necessary equipment to enjoy a safe and pleasurable boating experience. Once the items are fixed or replaced, an examiner will return and complete the vessel safety inspection and issue the decal.
A VSC does not verify the vessel owner's boating experience level or training and it does not certify the mechanical or electrical condition of the vessel. It does provide the boat owner with the knowledge that they are in compliance with the boating safety requirements and that in an emergency they will have the necessary equipment to save lives and summon help.
Flotilla 95’s Staff Officer for Vessel Examination, John Moyer, has been asked many times, “will the decal prevent me from being stopped by law enforcement marine units, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) compliance officers, or the U.S. Coast Guard?” “No,” is the simple answer. However, it will provide a visual indicator that the boat owner sought an inspection to check their vessel.
If you had your boat, kayak or PWC inspected last year or the year previous, do you need to get it checked this year? Absolutely! Some of the items on the checklist have expiration dates, like hand-held flares. As boat owners we sometimes forget the exact expiration date but that will be reviewed during the inspection. This is the number one item for not passing the VSC and one that is simple to resolve. If your flares are outdated, or soon to expire, the examiner will notify you of that deficiency and suggest you purchase new flares. Vessel registration expiration is another place where the VSC will remind you to renew.
John Moyer also explained to me that the second most frequent question he receives is “Will you report me to the police if my boat fails this inspection?” Absolutely not! The inspection is between the examiner and the boat owner, and we are performing the inspection so you will be in compliance. It is for your safety and the safety of your passengers. That is why the decal is presented after you successfully pass the inspection, whether it is on the first visit or after the boat owner has addressed any deficiency. Our goal is to increase boating safety for both the boat owner and the rest of the boating public.
How do you schedule a free VSC for your boat? You can contact John Moyer as provided in the information at the end of this column. You can also use the US Coast Guard App on your smartphone by selecting that option. Once submitted, your request will be delivered electronically to at least five certified vessel examiners in your area. Both the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Power Squadron can perform VSCs and the request will go to both organizations.
You can also request a VSC by visiting Flotilla 95’s website http://uscgauxmarco.org/ or through the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary VSC website - http://cgaux.org/vsc/.
Take the time to request a VSC and get your boat inspected.
To schedule your FREE Vessel Safety Check, please call: John Moyer, 239-248-7078 or Coast Guard Auxiliary Station – Flotilla 95, 239-394-5911. You can also email John at Jmoyer1528@aol.com.
For those interested in joining Flotilla 95, USCG Auxiliary, please contact Joe Grazzini at 239-272-9493 or ciscojmg@hotmail.com.
Saving Lives since 1939.
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary – A Proud Tradition, A Worthy Mission. For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org.
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