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The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary performed free vessel checks today at the Greenwich Water Club. Inspected
items included safety flares, life preservers and more.
If all went according to plan the skipper of the boat received one of these stickers that illustrated their vessel had passed safety inspection. Former Division Commander of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Ray Birnbaum, outlines the vessel check procedure.
“We are doing what we call vessel safety checks. It’s a form of one on one boating education. We will check your safety equipment and make sure you have everything that you need to have and that it’s in working order so that it protects you, your boat and your family,” said Ray Birnbaum.
Bruce Jensen has his boat inspected every year to ensure it complies with Coast Guard regulations.
“I think everyone should have their boat inspected, it’s just a safety thing, it makes it safer for everybody out there. And I think everybody should have to take boating safety classes,” said Bruce Jensen.
Public Affairs Officer of The Coast Guard Auxiliary, Jennifer O’Connell stressed that there are no penalties given to boat owners’ who do not have everything they need aboard.
“We have a check list of items that all boaters have to have aboard while they’re on the water. We do a complimentary inspection to see if everything is aboard and if we find things that are not, the boat owner has a chance to go rectify that,” said Jennifer O’Connell.
If you would like to have your boat inspected you can call the Greenwich Water Club at (203) 661-4033.
