Safety

Safe Boating Campaign

National Safe Boating Week: May 17-23, 2025

As of January 1, 2025 All operators of motorized vessels, documented and undocumented, will need to have a California Boater Card to operate on state waterways.

US Coast Guard Rescue 21 - Digital Selective Calling

Rescue 21 is the United States Coast Guard's advanced command, control and communications system. Created to improve the ability to assist mariners in distress and save lives and property at sea, the system is operational along the entire Pacific, Atlantic and Gulf coasts.

Vessel Safety Check (VSC)

The U.S. Coast Guard would like to see all vessels safely operated, including compliance with equipment carriage requirements.  If you are uncertain about the safety requirements for your vessel, one way to ensure compliance is to schedule a Vessel Safety Check (VSC), which is offered as a free public service by the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Power Squadrons®/America’s Boating Club®, two volunteer organizations dedicated to assisting the U.S. Coast Guard in promoting boating safety.  Other federal and state agencies may also conduct these VSCs. A VSC is not a law enforcement action; however, in some states, qualified marine law enforcement personnel may conduct VSCs.  Qualified examiners will come to your vessel and conduct a courtesy examination of safety equipment carried or installed and certain aspects of the vessel’s overall condition.  VSC requirements parallel federal and state requirements regarding equipment and vessel condition.  Those vessels that pass will be awarded a VSC decal indicating a successful check. During the VSC, the vessel examiner will discuss with the recreational boater the purpose of specific marine safety equipment, will clarify federal and state regulations, will discuss certain safety procedures, and will answer any boating-related questions. 

For more information: https://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=V-DEPT

To schedule a FREE Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Exam contact:

Melinda 'Mindy' Bacon
USCG Humboldt Bay
Office: 707.269.2577   
Cell (text): 707.481.0048

Manny Ramirez
USCG Sector San Francisco
Tel: 510.437.5788

For more information: https://www.uscgboating.org/

To register for the next available Commercial Fishermen’s Safety Course contact:

Alaska Marine Safety Education Association
2924 Halibut Point Road
Sitka, AK 99835
Tel: 907.747.3287
http://amsea.org