NAVEX 1st Quarter 2017 Edition First Edition | Page 14

Vessel Examination Program
H
The vessel safety check program plays a key role in pro
compliance with federal and state recreational boatin
safety equipment. It also raises boaters’ awareness o
examiners. These vessel exams have a long history an
sticker on their boats.
Inspections of members’ boats, with certificates issued t
had been a key function of the Auxiliary since its ince
Guard Headquarters, the Auxiliary in the Seventh Distr
less stringent standards) motorboats belonging to the
Auxiliary established the Courtesy Boat Inspection (C
Sadowski issued the first CBI certificate at the Plum Isla
in August, 1947. That same year “Vessel Examination”
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A few years later the title of the program was changed
CME manual, CG-289, was issued in 1953. The follow
(less than 16’ in length). The examination program re
began charging reduced premiums for boats that pass
The task of the Courtesy Examiner became more com
increase in the number of fires and explosions on bo
for ventilation in confined spaces below decks. Court
exhaust ducts, and determine if they were big enoug
enough into the engine and fuel tank compartments.
In 1972 the program was expanded to include sailboa
1974 the Coast Guard suspended its “Boat Check” insp
the Auxiliary’s CME program.
In 1991 the Auxiliary began issuing “safety check” de
significant changes to the program. The CME prog
(VSCP). The CME decal and the Personal Water Craf
new Vessel Safety Check decal. Other boating safety o
checks under the direction of the Coast Guard Auxilia
qualified under this provision.
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Photos Courtesy: United States Coast Guard Historical Section, Public Information Division, “Th
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