Annual Safety Inspection -
In previous blogs we’ve talked about the many safety standards set by the USCG. If you are a small passenger vessel, you are required to have an annual safety inspection to ensure you meet these standards.
The goal of the USCG’s annual safety inspection is to ensure that passengers are safe, that the crew is trained, and that the vessel is in good working order. This helps prevent accidents and ensures compliance with safety standards.
Annaul Safety Inspection Areas of Focus
Safety Equipment Check – USCG Checks that the vessel has all required safety equipment, including:
- Life jackets (PFDs): There must be enough life jackets for every passenger and crew member, and they must be in good condition and the right size for people on board. All PFDs including throwing devices (e.g. ring buoy) are checked.
- Fire Extinguishers: Must have the correct number for the boat size and available in easily accessable locations with expiration dates checked. Function of automatic fire suppression system in the engine department is also checked.
- Additional Safety Gear is checked including many items not listed in the Safety Equipment blog like railing tightness, flares (amount and expiration dates), and high water alarms.
Emergency Signaling and Communication Equipment – Charter and tour boats must have state-of-the-art communication systems to ensure that help can be summoned in an emergency:
- VHF Radios: The primary means of communication with the Coast Guard, nearby vessels, and shore stations.
- GPS and Radar: These tools help prevent collisions and aid in navigation during emergencies.
- Emergency Signaling: In addition to standard signaling devices (flares, horns, etc.), additional signaling equipment like searchlights or high-powered whistles for attracting attention in low visibility or night conditions.
- Navigation Lights are also inspected.
Crew Certification and Training – The crew on charter and tour boats must meet certain training and certification requirements. The USCG will check that the crew is properly trained:
- Captain’s License: The captain (and any crew members who need it) must have the proper license for operating a passenger vessel.
- Safety Training: The crew should be trained in emergency procedures (abandon ship, man overboard, and fire drills) and first aid.
- Mandatory Drug Testing: All crew members are randomly drug tested at a USCG specified facility as part of compliance with federal regulations
Documentation and Certificates – All required documentation is inspected
- Registration: The vessel must be properly registered with the USCG or state authorities.
- Insurance – proof of insurance in case of accidents.
- Miscellaneous publications including maps and charts.
Finally the overall integrity of the vessel, steering, engine operation, and electronics function are inspected. As you can see, this is quite a list. But I think we all feel more comfortable knowing this is done.
