Boating Laws

Federal Requirements for Recreational Boaters

Boating Safety Courses

Boating Safety Courses

America's Boating Course The on-line America's Boating Course (ABC), is a joint effort between USPS and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.  In addition, the course has been approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. ABC can be completed either on the Internet, with a book supplement, or you can purchase a shrink-wrapped combination of the book and a CD.  Purchasing the CD version you can take the course with you anywhere you go, with our without Internet access.  The course is fun and it's very comprehensive.  

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 or USPS Squadron Locator to contact them directly.

USCG Auxiliary and USPS Vessel Examiners may register to cover selected zip codes by registering in the Vessel Examiner Database.

One of the most commonly asked questions is, "What if my boat flunks?"

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.

Float Plan

Float Plan from the USCG Auxiliary

Marine Dealer Visits

The intent of the Marine Dealer Visitation program is to ultimately save lives and property by providing the marine dealer with the most current boating safety information and establishing a point of contact for boaters. Potential customers contacting a dealership will be interested in boating safety. The dealer, in turn, can then provide their customers with the most up-to-date boating safety information, Vessel Safety Check (VSC) information and the locations of Public Education courses. The main objectives of the Marine Dealer Visitation program are the following: to establish and/or enhance working relations between the dealer, the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary; to utilize the dealer as the contact point for making the boating public more aware of State and Federal requirements for boating safety; to provide information regarding Public Education Courses, Vessel Safety Checks (VSC), Auxiliary membership, and to distribute Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary handout materials; to provide liaison between the marine dealer and the Coast Guard.

To locate a USCG Auxiliary Marine Dealer Visitor use the USCG Auxiliary Flotilla Finder.

Product Recalls

USCG Office of Boating Safety Recall Campaign Database

Boating Links of Interest

BoatUS/BoatUS Foundation

• 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