By Cindy Hoffman, Staff Writer
Take to the water safely this boating season. The Ocean City Power Squadron offers a free safety check.
Photo courtesy Coast Guard Auxiliary
(April 27, 2023) It’s about that time to get the boat in the water and the Ocean City Power Squadron wants to make sure all boaters take to the waters safely by being in compliance with federal and state laws, and particularly regarding the requirements for onboard safety equipment.
That’s why the organization provides a free vessel safety examination for anyone who wants it.
All of the examiners are certified and will perform a free safety check. There is no penalty should the vessel fail the exam. Instructions are given to the boat owner on how to correct any deficiencies for re-exam.
“Most of us have clientele from previous years, but we also respond to new requests from individuals for vessel safety examinations whenever possible,” Bela Gulyas, the newly appointed chair of vessel safety examination of the Ocean City Power Squadron.
“If we receive a request from, let us say, 10 to 12 individuals in a close-knit community, we would make all effort to go out and do vessel examinations at a designated time that is agreeable for all parties involved,” Gulyas said.
Gulyas welcomes boaters to contact him at bgulyas80@gmail.com.
Vessel Safety Check Includes:
- Display of registration numbers.
- Valid state registration.
- Personal Flotation Devices (PFD), Coast Guard approved.
- Visual Distress Signals (Flares) with proper dates.
- Fire Extinguisher, preferably mounted.
- Safe Fuel System (Includes proper ventilation of the fuel tank, I/O & Inboard Engines).
- Backfire Flame Control for all I/O or Inboard Engines.
- Sound Producing Device (Horn/Bell).
- Navigation Lights (Anchor and Running Lights).
- Pollution Placard (Vessels 26 feet and longer).
- MARPOL Trash Placard (Vessels 26 feet and longer).
- Marine Sanitation MSD’s (Vessels w/installed heads).
- Navigation Rules (All Vessels 39.4 feet or longer).
- State and/or Local Requirements.
- Overall Vessel Condition.
- Safe Electrical System (included batter, box and TML caps).