Public Service Articles in the pursuit of
Recreational Boating Safety

Help Wanted - Vessel Examiners
Willing to Train!
By Wayne Spivak, ADSO-CS 1SR
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

-Position Open-

Vessel Examiners (VE) - the leading edge of the Coast Guard's Recreational Boating Safety Program - the Vessel Safety Check (VSC) program
(Unlimited availability, locations all over the United States, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands)

Requirements: 17 years of age; US Citizenship; Strong patriotic desire to volunteer your time to serve both the United States and United States Coast Guard/Coast Guard Auxiliary. Willingness to enter free local, regional and national training program(s) - if selected for regional or national training, travel and meals are either reimbursed or subsidized (subject to limitations).

Additionally, what is called the Working (Utility) Blue Uniform, plus safety equipment may be required. These items are not reimbursed, but may be tax deductible, talk with a qualified tax advisor about your specific tax situation.

Time Frame: Vessel Examiner (VE) training is offered year round, both in classroom and on-line.

Training: VE training consists of shore-side and on-vessel activities aimed at acquainting and teaching new Vessel Examiners the necessary theory, and practical skills required to achieve VE status.

Vessel Examiners ARE NOT meant to be, nor are they trained to be Marine Surveyor's. Vessel Examiners are trained to identify those items which are not in compliance with Federal and State regulations.

Training is done by qualified Coast Guard Auxiliary instructors both on land (shore-side) and on-vessel (not available at all locations and at all times).

Training is done using either in-class teaching or on-line/at -home study. Testing is done either on-line (preferred) or in a traditional setting.

Initial training (shore-side) course consists of sections devoted to all aspects of the Federal Boating Requirements, as well as specific state requirements (state where training is done). Understanding of safety and use of all safety equipment is stressed.

On-the-vessel training includes doing actual Vessel Exams under the watchful eye of a qualified VE.

Advancement: Successful completion of the Vessel Examination course permits individuals to do Vessel Safety Checks (VSC's), VSC's for vessels that are either USCG Auxiliary Facilities or offered to the USCG as such, UnInspected Passenger Vessels and Commercial Fishing Vessel Inspections (requires additional training).

Please note: Should you decide to enlist in either the Coast Guard or Coast Guard Reserves, VE training and other Auxiliary and Coast Guard courses taken while an Auxiliarist, can be used to accelerate your qualifications process in both the active duty Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve.

Summary: So if you want an exciting volunteer career, which can not only satisfy your desire to be on the water, but also your desire to assist your country, the United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary is the place to be.

For more information on the Coast Guard (http://www.uscg.mil), Coast Guard Reserve (http://www.uscg.mil/jobs/reservejobs2.htm) or Coast Guard Auxiliary (http://www.cgaux.org), contact your local Coast Guard Station or Unit, or visit them on the world wide web.