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Initial VSC Training Program

PurposePurpose

To qualify members of To qualify members of the United States the United States

Coast Guard Auxiliary Coast Guard Auxiliary and theand the

United States Power United States Power Squadrons Squadrons

as Vessel Examinersas Vessel Examiners

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Chapter 1 one of three

DefinitionsDefinitions

The VSC ProgramThe VSC Program

The Vessel ExaminerThe Vessel Examiner

The Vessel Safety The Vessel Safety CheckCheck

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Chapter 1 two of three

Vessels eligible for the Vessels eligible for the VSCVSC

Vessels NOT eligible Vessels NOT eligible for the VSCfor the VSC

Activities beyond the Activities beyond the scope of the VSC scope of the VSC

Relations with Law Relations with Law Enforcement officialsEnforcement officials

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Chapter 1 three of three

District supervision of District supervision of the VSC Programthe VSC Program

VSC performed VSC performed outside your home outside your home DistrictDistrict

Vessel Examiner Vessel Examiner qualificationsqualifications

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Chapter 2 – Vessel Safety Check Techniques This chapter This chapter

addresses the addresses the techniques that the techniques that the Vessel Examiner Vessel Examiner should be aware of should be aware of and adhere to when and adhere to when performing a Vessel performing a Vessel Safety CheckSafety Check

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Chapter Two one of two

The Vessel ExaminerThe Vessel Examiner

Educational MaterialsEducational Materials

Exchange Boating Exchange Boating InformationInformation

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Chapter Two two of two

Conducting the VSCConducting the VSC

Awarding the VSC Awarding the VSC DecalDecal

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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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Coast Guard Approved and Certified Equipment

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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.

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Boat Numbers

FL 1234 AB

CHARACTERSBlock not less than

3 inches high

COLORMust be of a ColorContrasting to the

Background

SPACINGHyphen or Equivalent SpaceBetween 3 Parts of Number

PLACEMENTPainted or Attached to Each Side of Bow

Always Read Left to Right

FL 1234 ABFL-1234-AB

FL1234ABFL 1234 AB

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Most Power Driven Vessels Must Be (see exceptions)

Registered orRegistered or

DocumentedDocumented Review the exceptionsReview the exceptions Registration or Registration or

Documentation paper Documentation paper must be onboard while must be onboard while underway and during underway and during the VSCthe VSC

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The Legal Paperwork one of two

State RegistrationMust 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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The Legal Paperwork two of two

Documented Vessel 5 or more net tons. Pleasure use only. Owner must be US Citizen.

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Hull Identification Number

HINHIN Usually on Starboard Side of TransomUsually on Starboard Side of Transom

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Hull Identification Number

Before July 31, 1984 Before July 31, 1984

Since August 1, 1984Since August 1, 1984

MANUFACTURERSI.D. CODE

HULL SERIALNUMBER

DATE OFCERTIFICATION

A B C 4 5 6 7 8 M 7 3 E

A B C 4 5 6 7 8 A 4 9 2

MANUFACTURERSI.D. CODE

MANUFACTURERSI.D. CODE

HULL SERIALNUMBER

HULL SERIALNUMBER

DATE OFCERTIFICATION

OPTIONAL METHODDATE OFCERTIFICATION

MODELYEAR

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Measuring the Length of Boats

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Personal Flotation Devices (Life Jackets) one of two

Must Be Coast Guard approved Must Be Coast Guard approved and suitable size for wearerand suitable size for wearer

For boats Less than 16’ For boats Less than 16’ One wearable for each personOne wearable for each person

For boats 16’ and longer For boats 16’ and longer One wearable for each person One wearable for each person PLUS one throwable on the boatPLUS one throwable on the boat

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Personal Flotation Devices (Life jackets) two of two

Wearable life jacketsWearable life jackets Readily accessibleReadily accessible

Throwable PFDsThrowable PFDs Immediately availableImmediately available

All life jackets/PFDsAll life jackets/PFDs Good and serviceable conditionGood and serviceable condition

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Type I Offshore Jacket

22 Pounds Flotation22 Pounds Flotation Will turn most unconscious people face upWill turn most unconscious people face up Acceptable on all recreational boats and Acceptable on all recreational boats and

commercial vesselscommercial vessels

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Type II Near Shore Buoyant Vest

15.5 Pounds Flotation15.5 Pounds Flotation May turn most May turn most

unconscious people unconscious people face upface up

Acceptable on all Acceptable on all recreational boatsrecreational boats

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Type III Flotation Aid

15.5 Pounds Flotation15.5 Pounds Flotation Many special designs for water sportsMany special designs for water sports Acceptable on all recreational boatsAcceptable on all recreational boats

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Type IV Throwable

Designed to be thrown, NOT WORN.Designed to be thrown, NOT WORN. Must have on aboard for boats 16 feet or Must have on aboard for boats 16 feet or

longer.longer.

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Type V

May provide the May provide the performance of Type performance of Type I, II or III as marked I, II or III as marked on the labelon the label

The label may state The label may state “approved only when “approved only when worn”, if so, it must be worn”, if so, it must be worn during the VSC. worn during the VSC.

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Survival Suit

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Fully inflatable PFD

Must be worn!Must be worn! May perform as a type May perform as a type

II or III when inflatedII or III when inflated Manual and/or Manual and/or

automatic inflatableautomatic inflatable Demonstrate the Demonstrate the

method of checking method of checking this devicethis device

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Visual Distress Signal Required

Approved VDS for:Approved VDS for: All vessels > 16 feetAll vessels > 16 feet Operating on the “high seas”, Great Lakes Operating on the “high seas”, Great Lakes

or Coastal & Inland waters of the USor Coastal & Inland waters of the US

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Visual Distress Signal Exemptions

Vessels participating in an organized parade Vessels participating in an organized parade or similar eventor similar event

A manually propelled boatA manually propelled boat Sailboat under 26 feet of open construction Sailboat under 26 feet of open construction

and no propulsion equipment (engine)and no propulsion equipment (engine)

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Visual Distress Signals

Day - NightDay - Night

Pyrotechnic - Non-PyrotechnicPyrotechnic - Non-Pyrotechnic

Coastal Waters - Great Lakes –Coastal Waters - Great Lakes –

Inland Waters Inland Waters

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Non Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals DayDay

NightNight

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Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals DayDay

SmokeSmoke NightNight

Hand Held FlaresHand Held Flares Aerial FlaresAerial Flares

Keep Dry - Short burn timeKeep Dry - Short burn timeUse only when they might be seenUse only when they might be seen

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Visual Distress Signals (VDS)

Daytime Pyrotechnic Devices

Orange Smoke

Hand Held Flares

Aerial Flares

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Visual Distress Signals (VDS)

Nighttime Non-Pyrotechnic Devices

Flash Light (SOS) ( hand held flood or spot lights are acceptable)

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Visual Distress Signals (VDS)

Nighttime Pyrotechnic Devices

Hand Held Flare

Aerial Flare

Controlled fire on Boat(Not Recommended)

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Fire Extinguishers

Boats required to carryBoats required to carry

*Review list from manual*Review list from manual

Should be checked monthly to insure they Should be checked monthly to insure they are operationalare operational

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Types of Fires

A - Wood, Paper, ClothA - Wood, Paper, Cloth B - Oil, Grease, GasolineB - Oil, Grease, Gasoline C - ElectricalC - Electrical D - Burning MetalD - Burning Metal

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Fire Extinguishers

Must be Coast Guard approvedMust be Coast Guard approved Coast Guard classificationCoast Guard classification

B-I, B-IIB-I, B-II Indicates weight of agentIndicates weight of agent Type of fireType of fire

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Types of Fire Extinguishers

Carbon DioxideCarbon Dioxide

Dry ChemicalsDry Chemicals

Halon

*Halon replacement such as FE 241 is now available.

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Class B Fire Extinguishers

Coast GuardClassification (type-size)

Underwriter’s Laboratory

Listing

Carbon Dioxide

(lbs.)

DryChemical

(lbs.)

Halon(lbs.)

B-I B-II

5B 10B

4 15

2 10

2.5 10

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Minimum Number of Hand PortableFire Extinguishers With and Without

Fixed Extinguishing Systems

Length of Vessel

Less than 26 feet

26 ft. to under 40 ft.

40 ft. to 65 ft.

No fixedsystem in

machinery space

Fixed fireextinguishing

system inmachinery space

1 B-I

2 B-I or 1 B-II

3 B-I or1 B-I and 1 B-II

None

1 B-I

2 B-I or 1 B-II

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Using a Fire ExtinguisherPull the safety pin.Aim the discharge of the

at the base of the flames.Squeeze the HandleSweep the discharge of the extinguisher from side to side

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FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

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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!

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Ventilation

Ventilation is not required in open boats. (Engine and Fuel tank are out in the open.)

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Vents

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Ventilation SystemsPowered Ventilation Systems

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Ventilation SystemsPowered Ventilation Systems

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Natural Ventilation

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Have Proper Ventilation

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Warning Label

WarningWarning

Gas vapors can explodeGas vapors can explode

Before starting engine, operate blower for Before starting engine, operate blower for four minutes and check engine four minutes and check engine

compartment and bilge for gas vaporscompartment and bilge for gas vapors

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Inboard Gasoline Engines Must Have Backfire Flame Control

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Backfire Flame Control

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Sound Producing Devices

Electric HornElectric Horn

AirhornAirhorn

Coach’s WhistleCoach’s Whistle

WhistleWhistle

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Sound Producing Devices

Audibility Range Required:

Less than 65 feet long ----- 0.5 mile

Longer than 65 feet ----- 1 mile

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Added Requirements over 65 ft

Bell Bell

[May apply to shorter [May apply to shorter vessels by State vessels by State requirements] requirements]

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PWC Operator Should Have Whistle Attached To Personal

Flotation Device.

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Definitions

SidelightSidelight SternlightSternlight Towing lightTowing light All-Around lightAll-Around light Flashing lightFlashing light Special flashing lightSpecial flashing light

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Arc of visibility

Port – red 112.5Port – red 112.5oo

Starboard – green Starboard – green 112.5112.5oo

Stern – white 135Stern – white 135oo

Masthead – white 225Masthead – white 225oo

Anchor –Anchor – white 360white 360oo

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Vessels under 65 feet

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Vessels under 39.4 feet may:

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Sail <23 feet and Vessel under oars may:

Carry a flashlight or lantern Carry a flashlight or lantern showing a white light that could showing a white light that could be displayed in time to prevent a be displayed in time to prevent a collisioncollision

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Additional Requirements

Anchor lightsAnchor lights ExclusionsExclusions

Sailboat when under Sailboat when under power is a power boatpower is a power boat

Day ShapesDay Shapes

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The Federal WaterPollution Control Act

Prohibits the discharge of oil or hazardous substances into Prohibits the discharge of oil or hazardous substances into U.S. navigable waters.U.S. navigable waters.

Vessels longer than 26 feet must display a placardVessels longer than 26 feet must display a placard 5 x 8 durable material5 x 8 durable material In a conspicuous place near bilge pump station and In a conspicuous place near bilge pump station and

machinery spacemachinery space See page 25 for detailsSee page 25 for details

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MARPOL PlacardsMARPOL Placards

The Act to Prevent Pollution from ships (MARPOL ANNEX V) places limitations on the discharge of garbage from vessels.

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

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MARPOL Exceptions

Recreational vessels used exclusively in the Recreational vessels used exclusively in the Great Lakes may use the Annex V placards or Great Lakes may use the Annex V placards or a specially developed placard that prohibits the a specially developed placard that prohibits the dumping of garbage.dumping of garbage.

   The trash The trash placardplacard is NOT required on inland is NOT required on inland

lakes and sole state waters lakes and sole state waters unless specified unless specified by State or Local regulationsby State or Local regulations..

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Trash Plan Requirement

Boats 40 ft or longer and equipped with a Boats 40 ft or longer and equipped with a galley and berthing must have a writtengalley and berthing must have a written

Trash Management PlanTrash Management Plan

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MSD Requirements

All recreational vessels with installed toilet All recreational vessels with installed toilet facilities facilities MUSTMUST have an operable marine have an operable marine sanitation device (MSD) on board. Direct sanitation device (MSD) on board. Direct discharge toilets are illegal.discharge toilets are illegal. Vessels < 65 feet may install type I, II or III Vessels < 65 feet may install type I, II or III

MSD MSD Vessels 65 feet or longer must install a Vessels 65 feet or longer must install a

type II or III MSDtype II or III MSD

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Types of MSD

Type I and Type II devices are waste Type I and Type II devices are waste treatment units and have the ability to treatment units and have the ability to discharge overboard. discharge overboard.

  

Type III devices re-circulate waste. Type III devices re-circulate waste. They are discharged at a pump out They are discharged at a pump out station in a legal dumping area.station in a legal dumping area.

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No-Discharge Area

A Type I or II MSD must be adequately secured while the vessel is in a no-discharge area to prevent any overboard discharge of treated or untreated sewage.

  

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Carriage of Inland Navigation Rules

The owner or The owner or operator of each operator of each self-propelled vessel self-propelled vessel 39.4 feet or longer 39.4 feet or longer shall carry on board shall carry on board and maintain for and maintain for ready reference a ready reference a complete complete and and currentcurrent copy of the copy of the Navigation Rules.  Navigation Rules.  

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State and Local Requirements

  The requirements of the state and local law The requirements of the state and local law enforcement jurisdictions where the VSC is enforcement jurisdictions where the VSC is conducted will be included in the VSC criteria. conducted will be included in the VSC criteria.

While states may require liability insurance, While states may require liability insurance, license restrictions, or specific activity license restrictions, or specific activity equipment, only equipment directly related to equipment, only equipment directly related to vessel safety or items on the VSC checklist vessel safety or items on the VSC checklist will be considered.will be considered.

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Overall Vessel Condition

The vessel must have a safe overall The vessel must have a safe overall condition in order to meet the finalcondition in order to meet the final requirement for the VSC decal. requirement for the VSC decal.

Following are some applicable items Following are some applicable items critical to the safety of the vessel and critical to the safety of the vessel and must be acceptable before the VE awards must be acceptable before the VE awards the VSC decal.the VSC decal.

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Overall Vessel Condition

Deck free of hazardsDeck free of hazards Clean BilgeClean Bilge Electrical SystemsElectrical Systems Fuel SystemsFuel Systems GalleyGalley Heating SystemHeating System

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Electrical and Fuel Systems

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Galley and Heating Systems

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Chapter 4 – Recommended & Discussion Items

This chapter This chapter provides information provides information on items not on items not required by Federal required by Federal Regulations but Regulations but strongly strongly recommended for recommended for the safety of the safety of recreational boatersrecreational boaters..

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Marine Radio

Distress CallsDistress Calls MAYDAYMAYDAY PAN-PANPAN-PAN SECURITYSECURITY

Radio LicensesRadio Licenses Radio Listening Radio Listening

WatchWatch False Distress SignalsFalse Distress Signals

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Dewatering Devices and Backup

At least one effective At least one effective dewatering devicedewatering device

Also one manual Also one manual device such as a pail device such as a pail or hand pumpor hand pump

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Mounted Fire Extinguishers

While it is NOT While it is NOT required to mount required to mount fire extinguishers, it fire extinguishers, it is recommended is recommended that they be that they be mounted in a readily mounted in a readily visible and visible and consistent location consistent location known to all aboard.known to all aboard.

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Should Have An Anchor And Line Suitable For Boat And Boating Area.

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First Aid Kits

Boaters are encouraged Boaters are encouraged to carry additional to carry additional safety equipment safety equipment including a First Aid including a First Aid Kit. These can be Kit. These can be purchased in various purchased in various sizes, depending on the sizes, depending on the type of boating a person type of boating a person does (small lakes versus does (small lakes versus offshore cruising). offshore cruising).

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Person in Water Kits

A line attached to the A line attached to the PFD or ring thrown PFD or ring thrown to a PIW will provide to a PIW will provide a means for pulling a means for pulling the Person in the the Person in the Water back to the Water back to the vessel.vessel.

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VDS Onboard for some Inland Use

Although not Although not required for some required for some localities, it is localities, it is always a good always a good idea to have a idea to have a way to signal for way to signal for HELPHELP..

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Capacity Plate Information OutboardsOutboards

U.S. Coast Guard Capacity InformationU.S. Coast Guard Capacity InformationMaximum Horse PowerMaximum Horse PowerMaximum Persons CapacityMaximum Persons CapacityMaximum Weight CapacityMaximum Weight Capacity

• Persons Motor & Gear Persons Motor & Gear InboardsInboards

U.S. Coast Guard Capacity InformationU.S. Coast Guard Capacity InformationMaximum Persons CapacityMaximum Persons CapacityMaximum Weight CapacityMaximum Weight Capacity

• Persons Motor & GearPersons Motor & Gear

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Capacity Plate for Outboards

U.S. COAST GUARD CAPACITY INFORMATION

MAXIMUM HORSE POWERMAXIMUM PERSONS CAPACITY (POUNDS)MAXIMUM WEIGHT CAPACITY

PERSONS MOTOR & GEAR (POUNDS)

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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 GUARDSAFETY STANDARDS IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OFCERTIFICATION

MODEL NO. SERIAL NO.

MFD BY

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Discussion Items one of two

a. Accident reporting / a. Accident reporting / Owner responsibilityOwner responsibility

b. Offshore Operationb. Offshore Operation

c. Nautical Charts / c. Nautical Charts / Navigation AidsNavigation Aids

d. Survival Tips / First d. Survival Tips / First AidAid

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Discussion Items two of two

e. Fueling / Fuel Mgt.e. Fueling / Fuel Mgt.

f. Float Plan / Weather f. Float Plan / Weather & Sea Conditions& Sea Conditions

g. Insurance g. Insurance ConsiderationsConsiderations

h. Boating Check Listh. Boating Check List

i. Safe Boating Classesi. Safe Boating Classes

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Some more topics for discussion

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Fire DetectorsSmoke DetectorsFire Ports Combustible Fumes DetectorsCarbon Monoxide Detectors Fire Extinguisher Alarms

Warning Systems

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Emergency Gear Bag

Emergency Gear Bag

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Chapter 5 – Forms and Materials

This chapter This chapter provides provides information on information on resources and forms resources and forms applicable to the applicable to the Vessel Safety Vessel Safety Check ProgramCheck Program..

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Chapter 5

Federal Requirements PamphletFederal Requirements Pamphlet Coast Guard InfolineCoast Guard Infoline State RequirementsState Requirements VSC Form 7012VSC Form 7012

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Useful WEB Sites

United States Power Squadrons National Page United States Power Squadrons National Page - - USPS.orgUSPS.org CG Auxiliary National Page CG Auxiliary National Page - - CGAUX.orgCGAUX.org V Department Page V Department Page – – SafetySeal.net/index3.aspSafetySeal.net/index3.asp VSC National Public Page VSC National Public Page - - SafetySeal.netSafetySeal.net

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Thank you for Thank you for your attentionyour attention

and and enjoy the VSC enjoy the VSC

programprogram