Tri-State Flotilla 10-2 US Coast Guard Auxiliarly VSC Station announces boat safety inspections to be held at the Memorial Boat Ramp, Nipmuc Cove on Wallum Lake on Saturday, June 11 and at the Wallum Lake Boat Ramp, Douglas State Forest, on Saturday, June 18.

Bring any type of watercraft from kayaks, canoes, PWCs, sailboats, cabin cruisers, to ski & pontoon boats for a stem to stern check of equipment for compliance to federal and state safety regulations.  Vessels can be inspected on a trailer as well as afloat.

Trailered vessels, not having Webster access sticker and not launching, can be examined at the entrance gate to Memorial Ramp.  Personal watercraft, not allowed to launch at the Wallum Lake Ramp on weekends, can also be examined at the gate.  Both locations can accommodate boats arriving by water.  The stations will be active from 9 AM to 4 PM at both these locations.

Vessel examiners are qualified and experienced to answer any boating related questions or concerns along with being trained to spot any potential problems.  They will award your vessel with a 2022 VSC decal if it meets Auxiliary standards on items such as: registration and hull numbering, life jackets, fire extinguishers, expiration dates on flares (if required), working navigation lights, overall vessel condition, etc.

A VSC is conducted only with your consent; no reports are filed with any law enforcement agency.  There are no citations, legal obligations, or penalties on violations or potential problems found.  A VSC decal might result in a boat insurance discount and will indicate to law enforcement on the water that your vessel complies with safety regulations.  The examiner will give the vessel owner options and information on correcting any issues.  Often a quick trip to the nearest boating supply vendor is all that is necessary to obtain missing safety items and easily pass a re-inspection, sometimes on the same day.

Coast Guard Auxiliary vessel examiners will be around the local lakes at various, un-scheduled times during the boating season; they are few in number and not readily available inland.  Can’t make it to the station…schedule a VSC online at the link below.

Best to take advantage of this scheduled opportunity and start your boating season with a visit to our station and a free 2022 VSC Decal on your craft.

For more information, visit vesselsafetycheck.org  or email [email protected]

Lakeside Kids Event at Memorial Beach. Thursday June 9, 4:00-7:00 p.m.

Sponsored by Lakeview Marine, this event has been planned to introduce the kids of our community to the fun that can be had on and around the water! Learn the many ways to enjoy our beautiful lakes - sign up for swim lessons, try out a kayak, learn fishing casting techniques, “Touch a Boat” get up close to recreational and public safety boats from the police and fire departments.  The Coast Guard Auxiliary Tri-State Flotilla will have a boating safety tent with information, handouts, and CG coloring books for kids.  VSC examiners will also be available there for boat owners wanting a 2022 decal. The posted activities are subject to change based on weather conditions and vendor availability.