In observance of National Safe Boating Week, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 4-10 will be conducting vessel safety checks May 18, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at the St. James Boat Club located on Airline Highway in Gramercy.
The check usually takes 30 minutes depending on the size of the boat. Boats that pass the examination are awarded a distinctive U.S. Coast Guard decal that alerts the Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies that your boat was found to be in full compliance with federal and state boating laws.
Frequently such agencies will not detain or board boats that are otherwise operating safely if they are displaying a current year decal.
If your boat does not pass, no report is filed or citation issued. Instead you are provided a written report that aids you in correcting any discrepancies noted.
Why do this? Safety. You are left with the peace of mind that your boat meets minimum safety standards.