Safety
Vessel Safety Checks
In addition to teaching our education classes, our members provide free vessel safety checks.
A free yearly Vessel Safety Check (VSC) is an important safeguard to a safe day on the water. There are no consequences if your boat doesn’t pass. Our goal, in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, is simply to make boating as safe as possible for you, your family and your friends.
During an examination the Vessel Examiner will look at:
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Registration and vessel numbers
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Navigation lights
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Anchor & line
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Life Jackets
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Fire extinguishers
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Sound producing device
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Flame arrestors and ventilation (if required)
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No oil in bilge
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General safe boat condition
Cooperative Charting
Cooperative Charting
Cooperative Charting Program of the United States Power Squadrons is conducted in close coordination with the Marine Chart Division, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Program is a major public service of USPS. Within this program, USPS Members:
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Supply information to the Marine Chart Division of NOS/NOAA leading to corrections to nautical charts, small craft charts, Coast Pilot publications and formerly, Small Craft Facilities.
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Supply data on depth surveys, range status, tidal current surveys and geodetic marks and formerly, aeronautical charts.
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Inspect Aids To Navigation to identify and report damaged or misplaced Aids
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Focus on specific navigation area through the Adopt-A-Chart subprogram. Squadrons to assume responsibility to keep a chart or a portion of a chart in their local boating area up to date!
Get recognition on new editions for their work. We have been told that the Cooperative Charting Program is recognized as the most effective user-participation program in all of the Federal services.