Initial VSC Training Program Purpose To qualify members of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Power Squadrons as Vessel Examiners 29 August, 2004

Chapter 1 one of three Definitions The VSC Program The Vessel Examiner The Vessel Safety Check 29 August, 2004

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 29 August, 2004

Chapter 1 three of three District supervision of the VSC Program VSC performed outside your home District Vessel Examiner qualifications 29 August, 2004

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 29 August, 2004

Chapter Two one of two The Vessel Examiner Educational Materials Exchange Boating Information 29 August, 2004

Chapter Two two of two Conducting the VSC Awarding the VSC Decal 29 August, 2004

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. 29 August, 2004

Coast Guard Approved and Certified Equipment 29 August, 2004

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. 29 August, 2004

Boat Numbers FL 1234 AB FL 1234 AB FL1234AB FL-1234-AB FL 1234 AB PLACEMENT Painted or Attached to Each Side of Bow Always Read Left to Right CHARACTERS Block not less than 3 inches high FL 1234 AB COLOR Must be of a Color Contrasting to the Background SPACING Hyphen or Equivalent Space Between 3 Parts of Number FL 1234 AB FL-1234-AB FL1234AB FL 1234 AB 29 August, 2004

Most Power Driven Vessels Must Be (see exceptions) Registered or Documented Review the exceptions Registration or Documentation paper must be onboard while underway and during the VSC 29 August, 2004

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. 29 August, 2004

The Legal Paperwork two of two Documented Vessel 5 or more net tons. Pleasure use only. Owner must be US Citizen. 29 August, 2004

Hull Identification Number HIN Usually on Starboard Side of Transom 29 August, 2004

Hull Identification Number MANUFACTURERS I.D. CODE HULL SERIAL NUMBER DATE OF CERTIFICATION Before July 31, 1984 Since August 1, 1984 A B C 4 5 6 7 8 M 7 3 E MANUFACTURERS I.D. CODE HULL SERIAL NUMBER OPTIONAL METHOD DATE OFCERTIFICATION A B C 4 5 6 7 8 A 4 9 2 MANUFACTURERS I.D. CODE HULL SERIAL NUMBER DATE OF CERTIFICATION MODEL YEAR 29 August, 2004

Measuring the Length of Boats 29 August, 2004

Personal Flotation Devices (Life Jackets) 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 PLUS one throwable on the boat 29 August, 2004

Personal Flotation Devices (Life jackets) two of two Wearable life jackets Readily accessible Throwable PFDs Immediately available All life jackets/PFDs Good and serviceable condition 29 August, 2004

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Type I Offshore Jacket 22 Pounds Flotation Will turn most unconscious people face up Acceptable on all recreational boats and commercial vessels 29 August, 2004

Type II Near Shore Buoyant Vest 15.5 Pounds Flotation May turn most unconscious people face up Acceptable on all recreational boats 29 August, 2004

Type III Flotation Aid 15.5 Pounds Flotation Many special designs for water sports Acceptable on all recreational boats 29 August, 2004

Type IV Throwable Designed to be thrown, NOT WORN. Must have on aboard for boats 16 feet or longer. 29 August, 2004

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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. 29 August, 2004

Survival Suit 29 August, 2004

Fully inflatable PFD Must be worn! May perform as a type II or III when inflated Manual and/or automatic inflatable Demonstrate the method of checking this device 29 August, 2004

Visual Distress Signal Required Approved VDS for: All vessels > 16 feet Operating on the “high seas”, Great Lakes or Coastal & Inland waters of the US 29 August, 2004

Visual Distress Signal Exemptions Vessels participating in an organized parade or similar event A manually propelled boat Sailboat under 26 feet of open construction and no propulsion equipment (engine) 29 August, 2004

Visual Distress Signals Day - Night Pyrotechnic - Non-Pyrotechnic Coastal Waters - Great Lakes – Inland Waters 29 August, 2004

Non Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals Day Night 29 August, 2004

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Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals Day Smoke Night Hand Held Flares Aerial Flares Keep Dry - Short burn time Use only when they might be seen 29 August, 2004

Visual Distress Signals (VDS) Daytime Pyrotechnic Devices Orange Smoke Hand Held Flares Aerial Flares 29 August, 2004

Visual Distress Signals (VDS) Nighttime Non-Pyrotechnic Devices Flash Light (SOS) ( hand held flood or spot lights are acceptable) 29 August, 2004

Visual Distress Signals (VDS) Nighttime Pyrotechnic Devices Hand Held Flare Aerial Flare Controlled fire on Boat (Not Recommended) 29 August, 2004

Fire Extinguishers Boats required to carry *Review list from manual Should be checked monthly to insure they are operational 29 August, 2004

Types of Fires A - Wood, Paper, Cloth B - Oil, Grease, Gasoline C - Electrical D - Burning Metal 29 August, 2004

Fire Extinguishers Must be Coast Guard approved Coast Guard classification B-I, B-II Indicates weight of agent Type of fire 29 August, 2004

Types of Fire Extinguishers Carbon Dioxide Dry Chemicals Halon *Halon replacement such as FE 241 is now available. 29 August, 2004

Class B Fire Extinguishers Coast Guard Classification (type-size) B-I B-II Underwriter’s Laboratory Listing 5B 10B Carbon Dioxide (lbs.) 4 15 Dry Chemical (lbs.) 2 10 Halon (lbs.) 2.5 10 29 August, 2004

Minimum Number of Hand Portable Fire Extinguishers With and Without Fixed Extinguishing Systems No fixed system in machinery space Fixed fire extinguishing system in machinery space Length of Vessel 1 B-I Less than 26 feet None 2 B-I or 1 B-II 1 B-I 26 ft. to under 40 ft. 3 B-I or 1 B-I and 1 B-II 40 ft. to 65 ft. 2 B-I or 1 B-II 29 August, 2004

Using a Fire Extinguisher Pull the safety pin. Aim the discharge of the at the base of the flames. Squeeze the Handle Sweep the discharge of the extinguisher from side to side 29 August, 2004

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS 29 August, 2004

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! 29 August, 2004

Ventilation is not required in open boats. (Engine and Fuel tank are out in the open.) 29 August, 2004

Vents 29 August, 2004

Ventilation Systems Powered Ventilation Systems 29 August, 2004

Ventilation Systems Powered Ventilation Systems 29 August, 2004

Natural Ventilation 29 August, 2004

Have Proper Ventilation 29 August, 2004

Warning Label Warning Gas vapors can explode Before starting engine, operate blower for four minutes and check engine compartment and bilge for gas vapors 29 August, 2004

Inboard Gasoline Engines Must Have Backfire Flame Control 29 August, 2004

Backfire Flame Control 29 August, 2004

Sound Producing Devices Electric Horn Airhorn Coach’s Whistle Whistle 29 August, 2004

Sound Producing Devices Audibility Range Required: Less than 65 feet long ----- 0.5 mile Longer than 65 feet ----- 1 mile 29 August, 2004

Added Requirements over 65 ft Bell [May apply to shorter vessels by State requirements] 29 August, 2004

PWC Operator Should Have Whistle Attached To Personal Flotation Device. 29 August, 2004

Definitions Sidelight Sternlight Towing light All-Around light Flashing light Special flashing light 29 August, 2004

Arc of visibility Port – red 112.5o Starboard – green 112.5o Stern – white 135o Masthead – white 225o Anchor – white 360o 29 August, 2004

Vessels under 65 feet 29 August, 2004

Vessels under 39.4 feet may: 29 August, 2004

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 29 August, 2004

Additional Requirements Anchor lights Exclusions Sailboat when under power is a power boat Day Shapes 29 August, 2004

The Federal Water Pollution Control Act Prohibits the discharge of oil or hazardous substances into U.S. navigable waters. Vessels longer than 26 feet must display a placard 5 x 8 durable material In a conspicuous place near bilge pump station and machinery space See page 25 for details 29 August, 2004

MARPOL 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 29 August, 2004

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 unless specified by State or Local regulations. 29 August, 2004

Trash Plan Requirement Boats 40 ft or longer and equipped with a galley and berthing must have a written Trash Management Plan 29 August, 2004

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 65 feet or longer must install a type II or III MSD 29 August, 2004

Types of MSD Type I and Type II devices are waste treatment units and have the ability to discharge overboard.   Type III devices re-circulate waste. They are discharged at a pump out station in a legal dumping area. 29 August, 2004

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.   29 August, 2004

Carriage of Inland Navigation Rules The owner or operator of each 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.   29 August, 2004

State and Local Requirements  The requirements of the state and local law enforcement jurisdictions where the VSC is conducted will be included in the VSC criteria. 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. 29 August, 2004

Overall Vessel Condition The vessel must have a safe overall condition in order to meet the final requirement for the VSC decal. Following are some applicable items critical to the safety of the vessel and must be acceptable before the VE awards the VSC decal. 29 August, 2004

Overall Vessel Condition Deck free of hazards Clean Bilge Electrical Systems Fuel Systems Galley Heating System 29 August, 2004

Electrical and Fuel Systems 29 August, 2004

Galley and Heating Systems 29 August, 2004

Chapter 4 – Recommended & Discussion Items This chapter provides information on items not required by Federal Regulations but strongly recommended for the safety of recreational boaters. 29 August, 2004

Marine Radio Distress Calls MAYDAY PAN-PAN SECURITY Radio Licenses Radio Listening Watch False Distress Signals 29 August, 2004

Dewatering Devices and Backup At least one effective dewatering device Also one manual device such as a pail or hand pump 29 August, 2004

Mounted Fire Extinguishers 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. 29 August, 2004

Should Have An Anchor And Line Suitable For Boat And Boating Area. 29 August, 2004

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). 29 August, 2004

Person in Water Kits A line attached to the PFD or ring thrown to a PIW will provide a means for pulling the Person in the Water back to the vessel. 29 August, 2004

VDS Onboard for some Inland Use Although not required for some localities, it is always a good idea to have a way to signal for HELP. 29 August, 2004

Capacity Plate Information Outboards U.S. Coast Guard Capacity Information Maximum Horse Power Maximum Persons Capacity Maximum Weight Capacity Persons Motor & Gear Inboards 29 August, 2004

Capacity Plate for Outboards U.S. COAST GUARD CAPACITY INFORMATION MAXIMUM HORSE POWER MAXIMUM PERSONS CAPACITY (POUNDS) MAXIMUM WEIGHT CAPACITY PERSONS MOTOR & GEAR (POUNDS) 29 August, 2004

Capacity Plate for Inboards U.S. COAST GUARD CAPACITY INFORMATION MAXIMUM PERSONS CAPACITY (POUNDS) MAXIMUM WEIGHT CAPACITY PERSONS MOTOR & GEAR (POUNDS) 29 August, 2004

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 29 August, 2004

Discussion Items one of two a. Accident reporting / Owner responsibility b. Offshore Operation c. Nautical Charts / Navigation Aids d. Survival Tips / First Aid 29 August, 2004

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 29 August, 2004

Some more topics for discussion 29 August, 2004

Combustible Fumes Detectors Carbon Monoxide Detectors Warning Systems Fire Detectors Smoke Detectors Fire Ports Combustible Fumes Detectors Carbon Monoxide Detectors Fire Extinguisher Alarms 29 August, 2004

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Emergency Gear Bag Emergency Gear Bag 29 August, 2004

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Chapter 5 – Forms and Materials This chapter provides information on resources and forms applicable to the Vessel Safety Check Program. 29 August, 2004

Chapter 5 Federal Requirements Pamphlet Coast Guard Infoline State Requirements VSC Form 7012 29 August, 2004

Useful WEB Sites United States Power Squadrons National Page - USPS.org CG Auxiliary National Page - CGAUX.org V Department Page – SafetySeal.net/index3.asp VSC National Public Page - SafetySeal.net 29 August, 2004

Thank you for your attention and enjoy the VSC program 29 August, 2004