Vessel Safety Checks

Lake Murray conducts Vessel Safety Checks to help insure boaters are better prepared for the boating season. Check out this Vessel Safety Check video featuring P/C Lee Ayers, SN.

If you need your boat inspected before the next scheduled date is announced, please e-mail Lt Dennis Rankin to arrange a time and location for one of our inspectors to check your boat. You also can visit http://safetyseal.net/GetVSC/ and enter your zip code to find contact information for the nearest inspector from whom you can request a vessel safety check.

A successful inspection will earn you the privilege of displaying the 2026 Vessel Safety Check inspection sticker, which will be similar to the one displayed here. The 2026 decals will be available in January 2026.

This effective, proactive and preventative safety program is unique to the recreational boating community. It insures that key marine safety equipment is present, is within prescribed functional limits, and is compliant with federal, state, and local regulations.

The Vessel Safety Check Program provides the certified inspectors an opportunity to discuss with the recreational boater, the purpose of the marine safety equipment, to clarify various federal, state, and local regulations, to emphasize specific safety procedures and practices, to answer any boating related questions and to encourage additional boater education. During an examination the Vessel Examiner will look at:

• Registration and vessel numbers

• Navigation lights
• Anchor & line
• Life Jackets
• Fire extinguishers
• Sound producing device
• Flame arrestors and ventilation (if required)
• No oil in bilge
• General safe boat condition