Enclosure (3) to COMDTINST 16796.7
The Vessel Safety Check Program (VSCP)
Introduction
This Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) defines and describes the role and duties of the
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGAUX) and the United States Power Squadrons (R)
(USPS) with respect to the USPS' participation in the Vessel Safety Check Program (VSCP).
Background
The USCGAUX is the volunteer civilian component of the United States Coast Guard
(USCG). It was authorized by Congress and operates as a non-profit organization dedicated to
safety and preservation of the maritime environment.
The USCGAUX developed the Courtesy Motorboat Examination Program in 1947 to
provide recreational boaters an advisory review of their vessel's legally required equipment and
additional recommended equipment essential to safe boating. It also served to provide one-on-one
education of recreational boaters regarding the use of safety equipment, legal requirements and
regulation% etc. The program evolved with the addition of sailboats and the name was changed to
Courtesy Marine Examination (CME). Recently, personal watercraft (PWC) were added to the
population of eligible vessels and the name has been changed to the Vessel Safety Check (VSC).
One of the key elements in this program is the administration of Vessel Safety Check Program
(VSCP) for recreational boaters.
In concert with other outreach efforts in recreational boating safety education, the VSCP
provides significant benefits to recreational boaters. Missing, damaged, and/or malfunctioning
safety equipment for recreational vessels can be identified at the dock or on land and installed,
replaced, or fixed to ensure ready availability in a potential emergency. Boaters are shown how to
use rids equipment properly and advised of the benefits of other safety equipment. A well-informed
and mentally prepared boater is less likely to be involved in an accident and better able to cope with
one should it occur. A successful VSC contributes to the peace of mind of the operator, family
members, and guests. The decal attesting to successful completion of the VSC is the sign of a
responsible boater.
The USCG and USCGAUX are interested in increasing the coverage of this program by
increasing the number of persons trained to provide VSCs (vessel examiners CVEs). Having
originated this program and having acquired, since 1947, the requisite experience and
administrative skills, the USCGAUX is in an excellent position to oversee its expansion and
enhancement. In recognition of these facts, the USCG and USCGAUX signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) in 1999 that established the USCGAUX as the National Director for the
VSCP and as the Executive Agent for the USCG in the overall operation and administration of the
program.
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