You have the boat fueled, the batteries charged, and the fishing gear loaded, but would your vessel pass a safety check today?

Download the Free Boat Safety Checklist (PDF)

A Vessel Safety Check is one of the easiest ways to find missing, damaged, or expired safety equipment before it becomes a problem on the water. It can also help prepare you for a possible law-enforcement boarding by the U.S. Coast Guard, state wildlife officers, harbor patrol, or another marine agency.

The good news is that an official Vessel Safety Check is free, usually takes only about 15 to 30 minutes, and does not result in a citation if your boat fails. Instead, the examiner gives you a written report identifying anything that needs to be corrected. Boats that pass may receive a Vessel Safety Check decal for that calendar year.

Here is how to prepare your boat and ace your next Vessel Safety Check.

Important: Federal requirements vary according to vessel length, construction, propulsion, operating area, and use. State and local laws may add additional requirements. Always verify the rules that apply where you boat.

What Is a Vessel Safety Check?

A Vessel Safety Check, commonly called a VSC, is a courtesy examination of a recreational boat. It verifies the presence and condition of safety equipment required by federal and state regulations.

The check may be performed by a trained volunteer from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, United States Power Squadrons, or an authorized state program. It can often be completed while your boat is at the marina, on its trailer, or even parked in your driveway.

A Vessel Safety Check is different from a law-enforcement boarding:

• It is voluntary.
• It is free.
• It does not result in a ticket if you do not pass.
• You receive a list of items that need attention.
• Passing does not prevent your boat from being boarded later.

The decal simply shows that the vessel met the applicable safety-equipment requirements at the time it was examined.

Boat Safety Inspection Checklist

1. Registration and Vessel Numbers

Begin with your boat’s paperwork and exterior markings.

Make sure you have:

• A current registration certificate onboard
• Registration numbers displayed correctly on both sides of the bow
• Current registration decals properly attached
• Documentation papers onboard if the vessel is federally documented
• Any state-required boating education card or operator credential

Registration numbers should be clearly visible, properly spaced, and displayed in contrasting colors.

Do not wait until the examiner arrives to search through a damp glove box for expired paperwork. Keep your documents together in a waterproof pouch where they are protected and easy to retrieve.

NCM Tip

Take clear photographs of your registration, insurance information, trailer registration, and identification. Digital copies may not replace legally required documents, but they can be extremely helpful if the originals are lost or damaged.

2. Life Jackets for Everyone Onboard

Your vessel must carry a U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable life jacket or buoyancy aid for every person onboard.

Each life jacket must be:

• The correct size for its intended wearer
• Appropriate for the activity
• In good and serviceable condition
• Readily accessible
• U.S. Coast Guard approved

Life jackets should not be sealed in plastic, buried beneath fishing equipment, or locked inside a compartment. An examiner must be able to see that they can be reached quickly during an emergency.

Inspect every life jacket for:

• Torn fabric
• Broken straps or buckles
• Missing labels
• Mildew or deterioration
• Damaged flotation material
• Waterlogging
• Missing or empty inflation cylinders (Inflatables)

Inflatable life jackets must have a full cylinder and show the proper service-status indicator. An inflatable device that is not properly armed may not satisfy the carriage requirement.

Child Life Jacket Requirement

Federal law generally requires children under 13 years old to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while a recreational vessel is underway, unless the child is below deck or inside an enclosed cabin. Individual states may impose different or stricter age requirements.

Do Not Overlook Fit

An adult life jacket does not count as a properly sized life jacket for a small child. Check the label for the intended wearer’s weight and chest size.

A properly fitted foam life jacket should fit snugly and should not rise above the wearer’s chin or ears when lifted at the shoulders.

Not sure which life jacket is right for you? We reviewed some of the best options for recreational boaters in our 10 Best Life Jackets for Boaters (2026 Buyer's Guide).

⭐ Recommended Basic Adult Life Jacket

Kent Type II

Best basic (minimum requirement) and budget friendly life jackets that meet the minimum requirements for recreational boating and is U.S. Coast Guard approved.

3. Throwable Flotation Device

Most recreational boats 16 feet or longer must also carry at least one U.S. Coast Guard-approved throwable flotation device, such as:

• A throwable cushion
• A ring buoy
• A horseshoe buoy

Certain vessels, including canoes and kayaks, may be exempt from the federal throwable-device requirement.

The throwable device must be immediately available, not stored underneath other equipment or locked inside a compartment.

A good location is near the helm or passenger area, where someone can grab and throw it within seconds.

⭐ Recommended Type IV Throwable Cushion:

Emergency Marine Foam Flotation Cushion Boat Throwable Flotation Device

Lightweight, highly visible, easy to grab in an emergency, and U.S. Coast Guard approved. The attached grab strap makes it easier to throw accurately to someone in the water, and its compact design stores neatly under a seat or beside the helm for quick access.

4. Fire Extinguishers

Your examiner will verify whether your vessel is required to carry a marine fire extinguisher and whether the extinguisher is approved, accessible, properly charged, and within its allowable service life.

A fire extinguisher is generally required when a boat has conditions that can trap fuel vapors, including:

• Permanently installed fuel tanks
• Closed compartments where portable fuel tanks may be stored
• Closed living spaces
• Certain double-bottom arrangements
• Compartments containing combustible or flammable materials

A motorboat under 26 feet may be exempt when it uses an outboard engine, has a portable fuel tank, and has no enclosed area where fuel vapors can become trapped.

Inspect the Extinguisher Before the Check

Confirm that:

• The gauge is in the operable range (Green)
• The locking pin is installed
• The nozzle is clean and unobstructed
• The cylinder is free from major rust, corrosion, or damage
• The extinguisher has not been discharged
• The extinguisher is not expired
• It is readily accessible

Disposable dry-chemical marine extinguishers generally must be removed from service 12 years after their manufacturing date. Vessels from model year 2018 and newer must carry the applicable date-stamped 5-B or 20-B extinguishers.

The required quantity depends on vessel length and whether the machinery space has a fixed extinguishing system.

Boat length	Without a fixed system	With a fixed system
Under 16 feet	One 5-B	None
16 to under 26 feet	One 5-B	None
26 to under 40 feet	Two 5-B or equivalent	One 5-B
40 to 65 feet	Three 5-B or equivalent	Two 5-B

One 20-B extinguisher may generally substitute for two 5-B extinguishers. A single 10-B extinguisher does not count as two 5-B extinguishers.

⭐ Recommended Marine Fire Extinguisher:

Kidde Mariner Fire Extinguisher for Boats and Watercrafts, 10-B:C

The Kidde Mariner 10 is one of our top recommendations. Designed specifically for the harsh marine environment, it features corrosion-resistant components, a durable metal valve, and an easy-to-read pressure gauge. It's compact enough to mount within easy reach while providing dependable protection for many recreational boats.

5. Visual Distress Signals

Depending on where and when your boat operates, it may be required to carry approved visual distress signals.

These requirements commonly apply on:

• Coastal waters
• The Great Lakes
• Territorial seas
• High seas
• Certain connecting waterways

Common visual distress signals include:

• Handheld red flares
• Aerial flares
• Parachute flares
• Approved electronic distress lights
• Orange distress flags

The exact combination required can depend on the vessel, operating area, and whether the boat is operated during daylight, nighttime, or both.

Check Every Expiration Date

Expired pyrotechnic flares may be kept onboard as additional equipment, but they do not count toward your required current signals.

Store flares in a dry, accessible container and make sure everyone onboard knows where they are located. Never store them where heat, moisture, or corrosion can damage them.

⭐ Recommended Visual Distress Signal Kit

The Orion Safety Signal Launcher Kit is a trusted choice for recreational boaters, providing bright aerial flares that can help rescuers locate your vessel during an emergency. Whether you're boating offshore, on coastal waters, or anywhere visual distress signals are required, this compact kit is an essential addition to your onboard safety equipment.

6. Sound-Producing Device

Every boater needs a reliable way to signal other vessels, warn of danger, and communicate during periods of restricted visibility.

Depending on vessel length, acceptable sound-producing devices may include:

• A marine whistle
• A handheld air horn
• An installed electric horn
• A bell where applicable

Test the horn before the inspection. A horn that is installed but does not work will not help your boat pass, and it will not help you during an emergency.

A pea-less marine whistle is also a smart backup because it is inexpensive, compact, and less likely to become jammed by water.

⭐ Recommended Marine Air Horn

The Better Boat Marine Air Horn is one of our top picks. Its powerful blast helps alert nearby vessels, signal for assistance during an emergency, and communicate in low-visibility conditions. Compact, lightweight, and easy to store, it's an affordable piece of safety equipment that belongs on every boat.

7. Navigation Lights

Navigation lights must be correctly installed and operational for nighttime operation and periods of restricted visibility.

An examiner may look at the condition and operation of your:

• Red port sidelight
• Green starboard sidelight
• White stern light
• All-around white light
• Masthead light, when applicable
• Anchor light, when applicable

Before your safety check:

1. Turn on every navigation-light setting.
2. Confirm that each required light illuminates.
3. Inspect the lenses for cracks, cloudiness, corrosion, or salt buildup.
4. Check that wiring and switches operate correctly.
5. Carry spare bulbs or fuses when appropriate.

Do not assume a light works because it worked during your last trip.

8. Engine Cut-Off Switch

Federal law requires the operator of certain recreational vessels to use an installed engine cut-off switch link while operating on plane or above displacement speed.

The requirement generally applies to motorized recreational vessels with three or more horsepower that are less than 26 feet long. The link may be a traditional coiled lanyard attached to the operator, clothing, or life jacket, or an approved wireless system.

Inspect the system by confirming:

• The switch is operational
• The lanyard is not cracked or badly stretched
• The attachment clip works
• The operator knows how to connect it
• A spare lanyard is onboard, when practical

Having the lanyard wrapped around the throttle does not count as using it. Attach it to yourself whenever the applicable federal requirement is in effect.

⭐ Recommended Kill Stop Lanyard

The engine cut-off switch is a small piece of safety equipment that can make a life-saving difference. If the operator is thrown from the helm or falls overboard, the lanyard automatically shuts off the engine, helping prevent the boat from circling back or continuing without anyone in control. It's inexpensive, easy to use, and an essential addition to any boat equipped with an engine cut-off switch.

9. Ventilation and Fuel System

Gasoline vapors can collect in enclosed spaces and create an explosion hazard.

An examiner may inspect:

• Natural or powered ventilation
• Blower operation
• Fuel hoses and connections
• Fuel tanks
• Fuel shutoff valves
• Signs of leakage
• Condition of the bilge
• Fuel-system components

Before the inspection, open the engine compartment and check for fuel odors. Inspect hoses for cracking, softness, leaks, and loose clamps.

On boats equipped with an engine-room blower, test it before starting the engine. Run the blower as directed by the vessel manufacturer, especially after fueling.

Never ignore a strong gasoline odor.

10. Backfire Flame Arrestor

Most gasoline-powered inboard engines require an approved backfire flame arrestor installed over the carburetor air intake.

The flame arrestor should be:

• Properly secured
• Free from excessive oil and debris
• In good condition
• Approved for marine use

Remove it periodically and clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. An excessively dirty arrestor can restrict airflow and may not perform properly. Make sure the flame arrestor you use is compatible with your engine and carburetor/throttle body.

11. Electrical System and Battery Connections

Loose or exposed electrical connections can lead to fire, electrical failure, or loss of critical equipment.

Check that:

• Batteries are secured against movement
• Positive terminals are properly protected
• Battery cables are tight
• Wiring is properly insulated
• Circuits are protected by appropriate fuses or breakers
• There are no obvious signs of overheating or corrosion
• Electrical components are suitable for marine use

The Coast Guard Auxiliary specifically identifies battery covers and connections among the items commonly reviewed during a Vessel Safety Check.

Saltwater corrosion can spread beneath terminal connections where it is difficult to see. Clean and inspect them regularly.

12. Overall Vessel Condition

Required equipment is only part of the check. Your vessel should also be free from obvious hazards.

Inspect the following:

• Decks and walkways
• Railings
• Cleats
• Bilge
• Fuel lines
• Steering system
• Control cables
• Propeller area
• Boarding ladder
• Through-hull fittings
• Capacity plate
• Passenger seating
• Engine compartment

Remove loose gear that could become a tripping hazard or block access to safety equipment.

Verify that the installed engine horsepower does not exceed the maximum shown on the capacity plate, when the vessel is required to have one.

Frequently Missed Items That Can Prevent a Boat From Passing

Many failures are caused by small, inexpensive problems rather than major mechanical defects.

Watch for these common issues:

• Expired flares
• An expired or discharged fire extinguisher
• Life jackets buried in a storage compartment
• Damaged life-jacket straps or buckles
• Missing child-sized life jackets
• A throwable cushion that is not immediately accessible
• Dead navigation-light bulbs
• A horn that does not operate
• An unsecured battery
• An exposed positive battery terminal
• Expired registration
• Incorrectly displayed registration numbers
• A damaged engine cut-off lanyard
• Missing sanitation or pollution placards when required
• Missing navigation-rule publication on larger vessels when required

Correcting these issues before the examiner arrives can make the process quick and easy.

Equipment That May Be Recommended Even When It Is Not Required

Passing a safety check means your boat met the applicable minimum requirements at the time of the examination. It does not necessarily mean that your boat is equipped for every emergency.

Consider carrying:

• Fixed-mount or handheld VHF marine radio
• Emergency position-indicating radio beacon or personal locator beacon
• Waterproof first-aid kit
• Anchor and adequate anchor line
• Manual bilge pump
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Spare batteries
• Tool kit
• Spare fuses
• Tow line
• Dock lines
• Boat hook
• Emergency knife or line cutter
• Waterproof chart
• Backup navigation equipment
• Extra food and drinking water
• Sun protection
• Emergency blanket
• Basic repair supplies

The Coast Guard strongly recommends carrying a marine VHF radio. Its mobile boating-safety app is a useful supplemental resource, but it is not designed to replace a VHF radio.

Complete Pre-Inspection Checklist

Use this checklist before your examiner arrives.

Documents and Identification

• Registration certificate is current and onboard
• Registration numbers are displayed correctly
• Registration decals are current
• Documentation papers are onboard, if applicable
• Required boating education credentials are onboard

Life-Saving Equipment

• One wearable U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket per person
• Every life jacket is the correct size
• Life jackets are readily accessible
• Child-sized life jackets are available when needed
• Inflatable PFDs are properly armed
• Throwable device is immediately available, when required

Emergency Equipment

• Fire extinguishers are approved and accessible
• Extinguisher gauges show a proper charge
• Extinguishers are within their service life
• Required visual distress signals are onboard
• Flares are not expired
• Horn or whistle works
• Navigation lights work

Vessel Systems

• Battery is secured
• Positive battery terminal is protected
• Wiring is in good condition
• Fuel system shows no leaks
• Ventilation blower operates
• Bilge is reasonably clean
• Backfire flame arrestor is clean and secured
• Engine cut-off switch works
• Engine cut-off lanyard is onboard

Overall Condition

• Deck is free from tripping hazards
• Safety equipment is not blocked
• Steering and throttle controls operate properly
• Capacity plate is readable
• Passenger areas are safe
• No obvious fire or electrical hazards are present

How to Request a Free Vessel Safety Check

You can request a Vessel Safety Check through the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Vessel Safety Check program or use the U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety mobile app.

The app can also help boaters:

• Review current safety regulations
• Check required equipment
• File a float plan
• Review navigation rules
• Locate nearby NOAA buoy information
• Report hazards or pollution
• Request emergency assistance

The Vessel Safety Check program attempts to connect boat owners with a qualified volunteer examiner in their area.

Does the Vessel Safety Check Decal Prevent a Boarding?

No.

A valid Vessel Safety Check decal tells a boarding officer that the vessel passed a courtesy examination earlier that year. It does not prevent the U.S. Coast Guard or another law-enforcement agency from stopping or boarding the vessel.

You are still responsible for maintaining your boat and equipment after receiving the decal. A life jacket, flare, extinguisher, light, or other item that becomes damaged or expires later may place the vessel out of compliance.

Final Thoughts

A successful Vessel Safety Check is not about impressing an examiner or earning a decal. It is about making sure your boat is prepared when something goes wrong.

Check your paperwork. Inspect every life jacket. Test your lights and horn. Look at the dates on your flares and fire extinguishers. Secure your batteries, examine your fuel system, and make sure emergency equipment can be reached without unloading half the boat.

Most deficiencies are easy to correct at the dock. They become much harder to solve when you are miles offshore, taking on water, dealing with a fire, or trying to help someone who has fallen overboard.

Prepare early, maintain your equipment, and make safety part of every trip.

Stay prepared. Boat responsibly. Bring everyone home safely.