Contact: Ninth Coast Guard District Public Affairs Office
(216) 902-6020
| Ninth District External Affairs U.S. Coast Guard |
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| News Release |
Date: May 19, 2009 Contact: Ninth Coast Guard District Public Affairs Office |
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National Safe Boating Week -- Day 3: Vessel Safety Checks/Boating Safety Courses The U.S. Coast Guard recommends that all recreational boaters, including personal watercraft users, take advantage of the free Vessel Safety Check (VSC) program and take a Boating Safety Course every year before going out on the water. ● VSCs are offered by experienced members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Power Squadrons, two of the nation’s premier volunteer boating safety organizations. A VSC is your best way of learning about problems that might put you in violation of state or federal laws or, worse, create danger for you or your passengers on the water. Go to www.vesselsafetycheck.org and click on "I Want a VSC" to find a Vessel Examiner near you. ● Many boating safety courses are offered throughout the country for all types of recreational boaters and for boaters of all ages. Qualified volunteer organizations, such as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadron, and state boating agencies sponsor many courses and provide classes. ● Courses cover many aspects of boating safety, from boat handling to reading the weather, and from a "Water 'N Kids" class to courses for boaters who want to learn electronic navigation skills. The most popular basic courses generally have from 6 to 13 lessons to provide a foundation of operational and safety instruction. Boaters can learn about boating safety courses in their state, but going to http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/courses.htm. CLICK HERE to hear Petty Officer Tim Lieb, of Coast Guard Station Cleveland Harbor, talk about the benefits of receiving a vessel safety check. For media inquiries, additional information or to arrange an interview with a Coast Guard member concerning Vessel Safety Checks or Safe Boating Courses, contact your local Coast Guard unit or the Ninth Coast Guard District Public Affairs Office at (216) 902-6020. ###
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