Bell Safety Life Jackets Article

Could you spare 15 minutes to find out if your boat has the necessary safety equipment on board that could save your life in an emergency?

The free service known for years as a "Courtesy Marine Exam" has been revamped and expanded by the . Coast Guard Auxiliary so that thousands more volunteers can offer free boat inspections beginning this month.

"We reach only 1% to 3% of all registered boaters. We needed a force multiplier in order to get out to more people," said Bill Pritchard, public information chief for the Auxiliary. "This is going to increase our reach in all regions."

There are about 7,000 Auxiliarists qualified as boat safety inspectors and allowing the . Power Squadrons to participate should more than double the number of qualified inspectors. Volunteers must undergo an eight-hour training class and accompany another inspector on at least five inspections until they're qualified to go it alone. The Auxiliary is working with USPS to set up a training program for both groups and will have a joint steering committee for the program.

The new Vessel Safety Check program not only encompasses many more volunteers but features a revised checklist of items to be inspected or discussed and a new decal for those who "pass."

Some boaters may think they'll get into trouble for being in violation, if inspected by an Auxiliarist or Power Squadron member. But that's not the case.

"There is absolutely no law enforcement component whatsoever. The inspection is for the benefit of the boat owner," Pritchard said. "It's strictly an informational and educational exercise."

Another potential benefit: If a boater is stopped and inspected by a regular . Coast Guard or marine police patrol and is cited for equipment violations the boat owner can offer to undergo the free inspection. If everything has been corrected, the violation and fine may be waived.

The volunteers conducting a Vessel Safety Check will look to see that the boat contains items required by both federal and state regulations. The items must be in good working condition, for instance, flares that are unexpired and fire extinguishers that are not depleted. The inspector also goes over with the owner equipment that is recommended but not required, such as radios, first aid kits, charts, anchors and other items.

If all the required items are in order, the boat owner gets a decal that's good for a year. Any deficiencies are noted on a report form so that the owner can take time to correct them. Re-inspections are also highly recommended, Pritchard said.

. is also supporting the program by offering 10% discounts on safety equipment following a Vessel Safety Check (see box).

It's important to note that while volunteer inspectors do check the overall state of major items such as fuel tanks, the boat's bilge and electrical wiring, they are not marine surveyors who inspect a boat's entire structural condition, systems, engines and rigging.

To find out about scheduling a Vessel Safety Check, call the Coast Guard's boating safety InfoLine at 800-368-5647, your local Auxiliary flotilla or check the Auxiliary's Web site at .org. (Within the Web site is a "flotilla finder" function.) Also see the Power Squadrons' Web site at .org.

Can You Make the Grade?

Vessel Safety Check Items:

1. Display of numbers

2. Registration/documentation

3. Personal Flotation Devices

4. Visual Distress Signals (flares)

5. Fire extinguishers

6. Ventilation

7. Backfire flame control (gas inboards and I/Os)

8. Sound Producing Device (horn or bell)

9. Navigation lights

10. Pollution placard (26' and over)

11. MARPOL trash placard (26' and over)

12. Marine Sanitation Device (for installed heads)

13. Navigation rules book (12 meters, or '. and over)

14. State and/or Local requirements

15. Overall vessel condition for: Deck free of hazards, clean bilge, safe electrical/ safe fuel systems, safe galley/heating systems.

10% Discount on Safety Items

., in cooperation with the Coast Guard Auxiliary and . Power Squadrons, will give a 10% discount off the price of safety gear for any boater who gets a Vessel Safety Check. The vessel examiner will provide a Form 204; bring it to any . Marine Center manager or fax it to Catalog Sales at 800-285-8692 and get a discount on: life jackets and storage bags, tethers, ring and horseshoe buoys, bells, whistles, horns, cordage, flares, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, life jacket safety lights, and gas, propane and carbon monoxide detectors. There's a $250 limit on purchases before the discount and the coupon is good for 60 days after the safety check.