1. Vessel Safety Check Review D11NR Vessel examiner’s- We save lives!
Paddle Craft
Vessel Safety Check Review
D11NR Vessel examiner’s-
We save lives!
Prepared by:
Mike Lauro DSO-VE 11NR

2. The fastest growing area of Recreational Boating!
Paddle Craft
SUB are everywhere on our lakes, rivers, and oceans from coast to coast.
Discuss Sport Utility Boats (SUB).
Ask participants what they are.
Explain that they are the only area of recreational boating where accidents are on the rise.
The fastest growing area of Recreational Boating!

3. What’s a Paddle Craft?
Canoe, kayak, rowboat, pedal boat, but NOT a paddleboard or a vessel powered by an engine!
Discuss types of SUB.
Ask when an SUB stops being an SUB.
What is it then, and why?

4. Types of Paddle Craft
Life Jackets save lives. 4

5. CANOE
General Recreation: Multi-purpose and usually tandem, they range from 15 to 18 feet in length and, in skilled hands, can turn and go straight reasonably well.
Tripping or Touring: Solo trippers can be from 13 to 17 feet long, while tandems top out at about 20. Tripping canoes have less rocker and are built for travel, usually on calm water, but some also handle moving rivers and big lakes.
Whitewater Canoes: Short, deep and highly rockered.
Solo Sport Canoes: Used for non-destination, quiet water "play".
Racing Canoes: Designed for speed in various long, thin configurations.

6. KAYAK
Kayak: a boat with a deck, propelled by a two blade paddle by someone sitting, unlike a canoe which is open and propelled by a single blade paddle by someone kneeling. Kayaks are designed for solo or multi person use.
Whitewater Kayaks: agile but less stable than other kayaks, designed to fit tight around the body, to make quick turns and be easy to maneuver. They have rounded bottoms or flat hulls for negotiating rapids. They are difficult to track in a straight line.
Downriver Kayaks: long, narrow, boats designed for speed. Their straight keel makes them easier to track in a straight line, difficult to turn, and easy to tip.
Sit-on-top Kayaks: kayaker sits on top of the boat and the body is not enclosed. Less stable than other kayaks, easier to fall out of, easy to climb back on. Designed for both paddling and surfing, They come in one and multiple-seat variations.

7. ROWBOAT
The boats (or shells) are basically of two types and reflect the two forms of rowing---sweep rowing and sculling.
In sweep each rower handles a single oar (about 12.5 ft long)
In sculling a rower uses two oars, or sculls, (each about 9.5 ft long).

8. PEDAL BOAT
Pedal Boats are small foot powered SUB for recreational boating on very calm waters near shore.

9. Paddle Craft 7012A VSC Form
Sections 1, 2, and 3, must be completed for award of the VSC decal. Form includes space for Vessel Examiner Comments.

10. Paddle Craft 7012A VSC Form Boater copy

11. MANDATORY Safety Check Requirements
Lifejacket
Vessel in overall serviceable condition-items up to examiner discretion.
Sound Signal-whistle or a horn-should be attached to the lifejacket.

12. SOUND PRODUCING DEVICES
All vessels
must have a
means of signaling sound
for at least a ½ mile. SUB
can meet this requirement
with a marine distress
whistle-attached to the lifejacket. 
All vessels must carry a sound producing device (whistle, horn, siren, etc.) capable of a 4-second blast audible for ½ mile.
Since accidental immersion and possible separation from the SUB is always possible the whistle should be placed on a lanyard that is attached to the PFD.
An Air horn attached securely to the vessel is also a good idea.

13. LIFE-JACKET
Each person must have an approved type I, II, III, or V PFD. Type IV is not required.
The PFD with a whistle and safety mirror should be worn whenever under way.
A PFD designed specifically for canoeing or kayaking is best.
Kayak and canoe users need to consider the use of a comfortable fitting PFD that allow for a full range of arm movement, is not bulky and has pockets and D-rings to tether safety equipment
Type III or Type V PFD’s tend to work best for SUB users.
Experienced canoe or kayakers would rarely use a Type I offshore vest or the near shore Type II version because its sheer bulk could jeopardize safe operation in difficult conditions.

14. Overall Vessel Condition
Hull & Deck Sound
Hatch covers in good condition and secure
Deck lines and bungee cords in good condition
Hardware secure and in working order
Bulkheads/air bags/emergency floatation in good order
Paddle/oars serviceable
Contact information affixed to craft

15. Additional Requirements: NAVIGATION LIGHTS
Navigation Lights are required on all vessels operating at night and during periods of reduced visibility.
A flashlight in good working order with spare batteries may be used on SUBs.
All boats must be able to display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise and in conditions of reduced visibility.
Boats 16 feet or more in length must have properly installed, working navigation lights and an all-around anchor light capable of being lit independently from the red/green/white "running" lights.
Notes: Under no circumstances should a strobe light ever be used as a nighttime navigation light.
Always attach your light to the vessel or your PFD.

16. VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS
SUB must comply with Federal and State VDS requirements. If operated in coastal waters unless with an organized group, they must have three ORANGE for day use, or RED flares for day/night use on board. If operated at night on inland waters, they should have at least a flashlight. In addition, a signaling mirror or an old CD should be attached to the operator pfd.
Recreational boats 16 feet and over used on coastal waters or the Great Lakes are required to carry a minimum of either 1) three day and three night pyrotechnic devices, 2) one day non-pyrotechnic device (flag) and one night non-pyrotechnic device (auto SOS light) or 3) a combination of 1) and 2).
Recreational boats less than 16 feet on coastal waters or the Great Lakes need night visual distress signals when operating from sunset to sunrise or in periods of reduced visibility.
Conventional flare guns or complicated flare launchers should be avoided because a person immersed in cold water may not be able to make effective use of these devices.  Small, waterproof, easy to launch flares are preferred.

17. REGISTRATION
This document is not required by California, Nevada, or Utah unless the vessel has a means of propulsion. There is a HIN (hull identification number) to record. However, the operator should be able to verify ownership.
If you are required to carry these documents aboard the SUB,
place them in a waterproof container that is tethered to the craft
or stored in a dry bag.

18. NUMBERING
California, Nevada, and Utah do not require registration numbers on non-motorized boats.
Other states may have different requirements.
Check your State’s Numbering and Registration requirements.

19. NAVIGATION RULES
Boats 39.4 feet and over must have on board a current copy of the Navigation Rules. NOT required for SUBS, but they should aware of the “size matters” rule!
SUB tend to run smaller than 39.4 feet.
It is still a good idea to keep a copy of the Navigation rules handy.

20. STATE AND LOCAL REQUIREMENTS
The Paddle Craft must comply with all state and local requirements. Currently there no additional state requirements. However, local regulations may apply.
Some states have included paddle sports safety training modules for specialized sports such as canoeing and kayaking.

21. OVERALL VESSEL CONDITION
The boat must be well maintained
and suitable for its area of use.
Note: Remember, if you don’t think the vessel can be operated safely, you don’t issue a sticker.
Who can tell us some reason a vessel that meets all the other requirements
might not be issued a VSC Decal?
Is the deck free of hazards and the bilge, if present, clean?
Is there an electrical system ? How safe?

22. ADDITIONAL ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ALL Paddle Craft
What else might be useful for your canoe, kayak, or rowing trip?

23. FILE A FLOAT PLAN which should include:
Information about the operator, the vessel, and transport vehicle.
The route of travel, date and time of arrival and departure.
Posting a float plan with friends is a great life insurance policy.
An overdue SUB is a high search and rescue priority because the effects of cold water and other climatic factors can quickly become life threatening. 

24. USE A SPRAY SKIRT
Learn how to properly attach the spray skirt and how to remove it in an emergency
There is nothing more uncomfortable than having the cockpit of a kayak
filled with water from a passing boat wake or that wave that got by unnoticed.

25. HAT OR HELMET Wear a Hat for sun protection.
Wear a helmet for rapids, surfing, and rough seas.
Use Sunscreen.
A wide brimmed hat or a specially designed hat that protects the back of the neck, ears and head from the sun are the best.
NOTE: A helmet should be used by paddle sports enthusiasts venturing onto whitewater or into rapids. It also should be used when kayaking through a surf zone.

26. FIRST AID KIT Suggest taking a basic first aid and CPR training.
Pack a waterproof First Aid kit.
Paddle sports enthusiasts often operate in remote areas where medical attention is not readily available.
Insure that the first aid kit is secured to your boat.   

27. WATER, SNACKS, AND CLOTHING
Dress properly for existing and expected weather conditions. 
Bring drinking water, snacks and clothing.
Cold water requires the use of wet or dry suits in addition to wearing a lifejacket.
Fabric choices should include those that provide warmth even when wet. 
Cotton materials should never be used in a cold weather situation because they wick heat away from the body when wet accelerating the effects of hypothermia.

28. WATER, SNACKS, AND CLOTHING-continued
Be Prepared, pack for all weather and other emergencies.

29. DRY-BAGS
All loose items should be stored in waterproof bags tethered to the boat. 
When tying down these items make sure they are stowed in an area that will not
interfere with users ability to exit the vessel in the event of a capsize situation.
Don’t forget to put all charts, cell phone, VHF radio, and GPS in waterproof bags.
THWART BAGS are accessible to the paddler and attached to the boat and a
prime place to store sunscreen, raingear, jellybeans, and other small items.

30. BILGE PUMP
On sit-in units always carry a small PVC type bilge pump for dewatering your vessel.
Note: most sit-on kayaks have self draining holes.
. Use a floatation collar. 
These devices work well in combination with the spray skirt that keeps the cockpit of a kayak watertight.
A scoop Bailer can be made by cutting the bottom off of a one-gallon plastic milk, or bleach bottle (leave the lid on). It comes in handy for getting water out of your boat.
A large car-washing sponge and towel are good for eliminating small amounts of water but for best results should be used with a portable hand pump.

31. RESCUE GEAR Bring throw bags, tow lines and other rescue gear.
Discuss AVOIDING drugs and alcohol!
Just having these items on board is not really good enough.   Paddle sports enthusiasts should be familiar with the deployment and use of this gear. This is best accomplished through constant practice. 
When traveling in groups, divide up rescue gear and practice working together. 

32. SPARE PADDLE/OAR Pack a spare paddle or oar and secure it to the boat.
Use a paddle leash attached to a forward fitting or bungee cord
By attaching your paddle to your SUB with a Paddle Leash, you can keep better track of it when you drop it, or when you stop to take photos or pass out cookies.
An inflatable or foam Paddle Float assists in the solo re-entry of a kayak. In cold  water the inflatable device should not be used. It takes too long to deploy and inflate. The foam device is ready to go and can be installed on the paddle blade very quickly.

33. VHF RADIO, GPS, COMPASS Carry a VHF Radio, GPS, and Cell Phone.
Carry a hand held compass as a back up.
Place VHF radio, GPS and Compass in waterproof bags.
Include a waterproof hand held compass as a back up in case the GPS fails.

34. CHECK THE WEATHER Monitor weather conditions.
Bring a weather radio or use a VHF radio with a weather channel. 
Check sky and sea conditions.
Remind the paddler about exclusion zones around dams, docks and ships.
Head for shore at the first sign of bad weather.
Never operate in an environment that exceeds personal capability.

35. Local knowledge of your route is key. Learn basic coastal navigation.
CHARTS- suggest:
Carrying a chart.
Local knowledge of your route is key.
Learn basic coastal navigation.
Remind the boat owner that the USCG Auxiliary offers Navigation Courses.

36. PRACTICE, PRACTICE PRACTICE….
Practice wet exits from a kayak or canoe in safe, calm, shallow water. 
This will allow you to gain confidence and capability
in the event capsizing occurs on open deeper waters.

37. OTHER ITEMS
Attach a marine signaling mirror to each PFD and a strobe light for day and night distress signaling.   
Ask the class to list other items that might be important to bring on your SUB trip.
Don’t forget to secure all items to the boat or your PFD

38. CLEAN UP Pack a trash bag. Take all refuse away with you.
Leave every stop cleaner than when you found it.
An aluminum can takes 200 to 500 years to decompose. Making a new can from a recycled can takes 95% less energy than using new materials!
Glass bottles take up to 500 years to break down. Glass is 100% recyclable, so from each recycled bottle, you can make a new one.

39. BUDDY SYSTEM It is always safer to paddle in a group.
NEVER PADDLE ALONE! ALWAYS Bring a friend.
It is always safer to paddle in a group.
It’s also more fun.

40. BOATING SAFETY COURSE
All boaters should be encouraged to take a Boating Safety Course such as the “About Boating Safely” Course.
For more D11NR class info, promote: http//public.d11nuscgaux.info/pe-course.html on ALL handout material.
Ask the class what other USCG Auxiliary Boating Safety Courses are available to the public.
Ask which one’s might be most useful to SUB operators.

41. Recommend- PADDLESPORTS AMERICA or SMART START FOR PADDLERS-
                                                             
Produced by The American Canoe Association, Inc. under a grant from the Aquatic Resources (Wallop/Breaux) Trust Fund administered by the United States Coast Guard.
Audience: First-time participants in canoes or kayaks.
Program Providers: From presenters who may NOT be paddlers but have experience providing boating education programs such provided by the USCG Auxiliary,to those with extensive paddling experience, including certified instructors of the American Red Cross and American Canoe Association who wish to present paddling information at the entry level.

42. “IF FOUND” Decal
If possible, the Vessel Examiner should provide the paddler with this decal during VSC, and strongly suggest it’s use.
Please see your DSO-VE for availability.

43. Paddle Craft VSC Review D11NR Vessel Examination Department WE SAVE LIVES! For more information, please see: “How to Perform a VSC on a Paddle Craft” available on the District Vessel Examiner website:
Prepared by:
Mike Lauro DSO-VE