1. USPS America’s Boating Club
Ideas to achieve
greater numbers of
Vessel Safety Checks
for your Squadron
Designed and prepared by Dave Fuller, XO America’s Boating Club Atlanta. Certified as a VE in the Auxiliary and USPS since 2002 with over 400 VSCs completed.

2. Agenda This is a facilitator led discussion – you are the teachers!
Statistics
Who, What, When, Where, Why ?
Sharing best practices and obtaining results
Resources
Next steps

3. USCG Challenge
At the Annual Meeting CAPT Scott Johnson issued a challenge to USPS members to work with the Auxiliary to increase relationships and mission focus with a goal to advance the RBS mission. He additionally challenged leadership to develop more Vessel Examiners and increase the number of Vessel Exams.
CAPT Johnson with Robert Holub who has performed over 2000 Vessel Safety Checks for each of the last 17 years in a row!

4. Statistics
In terms of certified Vessel Examiner count, the overall trend line shows a steady decline over time
Source – Coast Guard Auxiliary Annual Vessel Safety Check Report 2018

5. Who, What, When Who can perform Vessel Safety Checks? New Members?
Long Term members?
What steps are necessary to qualify members?
Maintaining currency and effectiveness - competency
What number should you set as a goal for minimum participation?
When is the best time to perform Vessel Safety Checks?

6. Where, Why Where do you go to perform Vessel Safety Checks?
Partnerships and relationships are critical
How do you market and publicize this program?
Partnerships and relationships make for long term success
Why do we do this program?

7. Sharing Best Practices
Establishing a robust program in your Squadron
Motivating Volunteers
Engaging new members
Engaging members not yet participating in the program

8. Sharing Best Practices
Establishing relationships with partners
Scheduling events
Internal and external communications
Timely reporting of results

9. Resources Vessel Safety Check Manual COMDTINST M16796.8A
USPS Safety Committee website
Auxiliary VSC webpage
I want a VSC website
Internal and external communications
Timely reporting of results

10. Vessel Safety Check
We offer FREE Vessel Safety Checks to ensure your boat meets the MINIMUM legal standards required by law.
We also discuss equipment not required by law, but a prudent mariner would have aboard and know how to use.
Annual program and when you pass you display a decal.
Not a get out of jail free decal, but it shows you met the requirements on the day of the examination.

11. Next Steps Prepare materials and discuss strategies with leadership
Publicize initiatives and strategies
Have a Cheerleading session with members
RECOGNIZE and reward members who participate
Consider Squadron awards – brainstorm!
Potential on-line workshop hosted by Dave Fuller

12. Questions? I hope you enjoyed this discussion and sharing of ideas!
Thanks for Your Time! For more information contact: