Boating Safety Course
	The U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary's Boating Skills and Seamanship (BS&S) course is a comprehensive course designed for both the experienced and the novice boater. The course consists of 6 required two-hour lessons plus elective modules, providing up-to-date knowledge for handling boats in all conditions. Scheduled Boating Safety courses in the Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana areas.

Vessel Safety Checks

A Vessel Safety Check (VSC)  is a FREE, voluntary check of your boat and its safety equipment.   USCG Auxiliary, United States Power Squadron (USPS) and various state Vessel Examiners (VE) help educate the boater through a direct, face-to-face boating safety information exchange with the owner or operator and provide instructions on equipment to be carried on board and other matters affecting safety.  Federal and local regulations and  VSC  requirements are explained as well as other matters of interest.  The VSC  is performed only with the specific consent of the owner/operator, who is present at the time of the examination.

To locate a Vessel Examiner use the 'I Want A VSC' web page or use the USCG Auxiliary Flotilla Finder.

"What if my boat flunks the Vessel Safety Check?"

No problem, just schedule a second examination. The VSC is  not a law enforcement action. No one gets a copy of your failure to pass. You get a check list of your needs and, often, help in obtaining them. Where to get another examination is not a dilemma either. Usually, an Auxiliary Vessel Examiner will meet you at your boat - back at the ramp or marina or even your house.

"What equipment is checked during my FREE equipment safety check?"

The check lists used by the Vessel Examiner are available. You do not need to print these, as the Examiner will bring them. Use your browser back button to return here, not the 'Return to Main Page' shown on the document.

Federal Requirements and Safety Tips for Recreational Boats

This section contains information about Federal laws, equipment requirements, and safety recommendations for recreational vessels.

  Float Plans

• Float Plan (html version)

• Official USCG Float Plan (pdf)

• Float Plan webpage

Oregon Boating Rules & Regulations

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• Waste Management Plans For Recreational Vessels Courtesy of: Sea Partners, USCG Marine Safety Office San Francisco Bay

• Trash Management Plan Courtesy of USCG Aux Flotilla 51 District 7

• National Clean Boating Campaign

• Pollution Prevention/Best Management Practices Marine Facilities (BMPM)

• Reporting Spills to the USCG National Response Center 1-800-424-8802

• EPIRB Rental Program -- A joint effort between the BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water and the U.S. Coast Guard.

• Life Jacket Loaner Program For Kids -- BoatUS Foundation. There is a link to state PFD requirements for children.

• MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) -- BoatU.S. has been authorized by both the Federal Communications Commission and the U.S. Coast Guard to assign MMSI numbers to vessels with DSC capable radios that are not required by law to carry a radio, and do not make international voyages or communications. BoatU.S. is responsible for relaying the MMSI registration information to the U.S. Coast Guard for search and rescue purposes.

• Sportsman's Forum

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Boating Safety Hall of Infirmity