Boat owners looking to make sure their vessels meet all current federal and state safety requirements may contact their local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary flotilla to arrange a free safety check. The inspection, conducted by volunteer flotilla members, lasts about 15 minutes and covers registration and numbering, navigation lights, distress signals, fire extinguishers, personal flotation devices and ventilation.

Passing marks are awarded with a boat decal. Citations aren’t issued, and results aren’t reported to other agencies.

To arrange a safety check in your area, visit http://safetyseal.net/GetVSC/.