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Guest Column

Boat check, classes can save life, limb, wallet

By WILBUR SCOTT
Published February 8, 2007

Is my boat really safe?

We would all like to think that our boat or vessel is safe. But is it really safe? There are two ways to find out.

One way, of course, is to continue as you have, and place those you care about at risk. The second way is to have a U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary "Vessel Safety Check" performed. It will cost you absolutely nothing except about 20 minutes of your time depending on the size and type of your vessel.

Whether your craft is a power boat, sailboat, personal watercraft, canoe or kayak, you really owe it to yourself and your passengers to know if you are operating a safe vessel.

Vessels passing the safety check will be awarded the prestigious "Vessel Safety Check" decal, to be proudly displayed on your vessel for all to see and know that you truly care about boating safety.

What happens if a vessel fails the safety check? You will know what deficiencies need to be corrected. Once those deficiencies have been corrected, your vessel will again be checked (perhaps even the same day if you wish), and if it passes, the decal awarded.

The vessel safety check is not a law enforcement type activity. Those few that may not pass the first time around are not going to be reported to any law enforcement agency. Our sole purpose is to have the deficiencies corrected, thereby giving you and your passengers a safer vessel in which to enjoy your favorite water activity.

Once your vessel passes the safety check and is awarded the decal, we know that your boat was safe at the time of the examination. However, as the "captain," it is your legal responsibility to maintain your vessel in safe operational condition.

This, of course, does not mean that you are going to be problem- or accident-free. The boat may be in safe operational condition, but what about the operator? Only you can control that factor!

How? By being familiar with the proper operation of your vessel and being a responsible boater.

Another great way to be safe on the water is to attend one of the newly designed U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary "Boating Safety and Seamanship" courses that are offered and presented by Homosassa Flotilla 15-04.

Jack Sparling, who is the staff officer in charge of the public education programs offered by Flotilla 15-04, tells me that both novice and experienced boaters will welcome the information offered in this streamlined format.

This course has it all: safe boat handling and anchoring techniques, boat and engine types, necessary safety equipment, safe trailering techniques, Florida boating laws, rules of the road and much more.

For information and registration details, call Sparling at 476-8271.

Those of you who want a free vessel safety check performed can contact any of these Flotilla 15-04 vessel examiners in your area. Remember, there is no cost for this service and it could very well save you a large fine, but more important, prevent serious injury to you and your passengers.

Citrus Hills : Ned Barry, 249-1042.

Crystal River: Al Hepner, 302-1183.

Crystal Oaks: Dirk Wrightson, 527-0025; Frank Hardy, 533-2269.

Hernando: Ned Barry, 249-1042.

Homosassa: Pete Haggerty, 621-0602; Al Hepner, 302-1183; Pim or Elaine Miranda, 564-2521; Patricia Consol, 621-4797; Wilbur Scott, 422-4244.

Inverness: Jack Sparling, 476-8271; Wilbur B. Scott, 422-4244.

Lecanto: Dirk Wrightson, 525-0025.

Sugarmill Woods: Don Eastman, 382-2364.

Editor's note: This is one of a series of guest columns that are run periodically. Today's column is written by Wilbur B. Scott, assistant public affairs officer for Flotilla 15-04 of Homosassa. Visit its Web site www.uscgaux.org/~0701504. To contact him, e-mail seacapt34447@yahoo.com or write to P.O. Box 2084, Homosassa Springs, FL 34447-2084.

[Last modified February 8, 2007, 06:15:19]