COMDTINST 16796.7
e.
In accordance with reference (e), the Coast Guard Auxiliary is designated the National
Director of the VSCP and the Executive Agent for the Coast Guard in the overall
operation and administration of the program.
f.
Other organizations may be authorized to conduct VSCs as follows.
(1)
Public and private organizations external to the Coast Guard Auxiliary may be
authorized by the Auxiliary, as the National Director of the VSCP, to conduct
vessel safety checks on recreational boats and other eligible vessels (not
including commercial vessels) and to award the VSC decal. The authority to do
so will be granted through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between
the authorized provider and the Auxiliary. Authorized providers will be guided
by the provisions of reference (b), or any manual which supercedes it.
(2)
Members of the organizations of authorized providers are NOT entitled to any of
the rights, privileges, or protections afforded to members of the Coast Guard
Auxiliary or the Coast Guard, nor do they assume any of the authority of the
Coast Guard Auxiliary or the Coast Guard. The role of authorized providers is
to seek voluntary compliance with federal and state recreational boating safety
laws and regulations through one-on-one education with recreational boaters,
their families, and their guests on board.
(3)
Currently, the only authorized provider is the United States Power
Squadronsr(USPS). In accordance with the MOU contained in enclosure (3),
members of the USPS may conduct VSCs and award the VSC decal.
(4)
As this initiative moves forward, it is expected that other organizations such as
industry associations, federal and state boating safety agencies may become
authorized providers.
g.
Certified Auxiliary vessel examiners may conduct VSCs on uninspected passenger
vessels less than 65 feet in overall length and carrying six or less passengers for hire,
in accordance with the current policy in reference (b). Authorized providers, such as
members of the USPS, may not conduct VSCs on uninspected passenger vessels.
6.
IMPLEMENTATION.
a.
The policy changes described in this Instruction will become effective on 01 May
2000. On and after that date, members of the Auxiliary and the USPS who are
certified as vessel examiners may conduct VSCs and award the VSC decal to
recreational boats that pass the safety check.
4