Your boat needs regular inspections just like any other vehicle to ensure the basics are working properly. Most of us enjoy boating on Smith Mountain Lake sometime over the summer months, so help assure boater safety by reminding those with vessels to get theirs inspected. The Smith Mountain Eagle Newspaper makes us aware of some free check-point locations where we can get this taken care of.
Spring is upon us and that signals the time to be sure our boats are ready to get underway. The fastest and easiest way to do that is to have a Vessel Safety Check by the Coast Guard Auxiliary or US Power Squadron.
There is no charge or obligation and no citations are issued. The check is performed, the owner/operator gets a decal to signify passing and they get a copy of the checksheet to show what needs to be corrected if anything.
It is also a good time to ask questions about your vessel, its operation, safety features, the new Virginia Boating Safety Education Law (also see the story on Page 1A), float plans, and emergency procedures.
The exam usually only takes about 10 minutes. The focus is on safety and includes verification/check of:
Boat Registration
Lifejackets
Throwable PFD
Distress signal
Fire Extinguishers
Ventilation of engine
Backfire Flame Arrestor
Sound device
Navigation lights
To make the exams easier the CG Auxiliary and Power Squadron will set up Exam Stations at the following locations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the days shown:
12 May: Bridgewater:
12 May: Virginia Dare Marina
19 May: Foxport Marina
26 May: Smith Mt. Yacht Club and Shoreline Marina again
2 June: Smith Mt. Dock
9 June: Bay Roc Marina
If there are any questions, please call Ron Collins at 297-3262 or Dal Bailey at 989-6275.
