USCG AUXILIARY TO PERFORM COURTESY VESSEL SAFETY CHECKS IN ASTORIA

Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Buoy 10 Flotilla 64 will conduct free Courtesy
Vessel Safety Examinations beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at the John Day County
Park Boat Ramp, just east of Astoria and the East End Mooring Basin in Astoria.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Vessel Examiners are usually boat owners and experienced
boaters, who are certified and trained to know the latest boating regulations and safety equipment needs.
Examiners have been trained to look for some of the more common problems, which might occur with
safety equipment. Some of the equipment checked during the examination includes fire extinguishers,
lifejackets, navigation lights, visual distress signals and overall vessel condition.
A ‘Seal of Safety’ for 2011 will be affixed to the vessel, if it is found to be safe. If an equipment
item is missing or outdated, the examiner will give the boat owner suggestions. Research has shown that
properly equipped boats help reduce boating accidents.
Courtesy Vessel Safety Checks are scheduled regularly throughout the recreational boating season
at various ramps and marinas. Boaters can also make appointments with Vessel Examiners to schedule
Courtesy Safety checks at other locations, such as homes and moorage sites.
Boaters should take advantage of this free public service. For more information about these
Vessel Safety Checks or scheduling an appointment, contact Roy Hackett at newthings@earthlink.net or call
(503) 481-6648. For more information about the USCG Auxiliary contact www.cgaux.org.