Does your boat have the necessary safety equipment on board? Does the safety equipment work?  Do you know how to use the safety equipment?  The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary can answer those questions during a free Courtesy Marine Examination.  Having the necessary equipment aboard your boat in time of need plus knowing how to use that equipment greatly improves your chance of rescue and survival.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers have been trained to examine your craft for safety, to see if your boat meets Federal and State requirements and to check for additional safety equipment recommended by the Auxiliary to help save your life.  Examples of the equipment are personal flotation jackets, signaling devices, fire extinguishers and much more.

When you receive and pass the Courtesy Marine Examination, the Coast Guard Auxiliary's "Seal of Safety" decal is affixed to your boat.  This decal signifies that your boat meets the required safety requirements and, in some cases, may lower your insurance premium.  If your boat fails the examinations, no citation is issued and no report is made to any law enforcement agency.  The boat owner is merely advised of any deficiencies, and a recommendation is made to procure the equipment that is missing.