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2026 VESSEL EXAMINER WORKSHOP�for both USCG Auxiliary and US Power Squadrons

Prepared by the

UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY� DIRECTORATE OF VESSEL EXAMINATION

AND PARTNER VISITATION

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All Vessel Examiners should complete the 2026 “Vessel Examiner Workshop”.
US Coast Guard Auxiliary Vessel Examiners should complete the 2026 “Vessel Examiner Workshop” and “Appendix A”.
US Power Squadrons/America’s Boating Club Vessel Examiners should complete the 2026 “Vessel Examiner Workshop” and “Appendix B”.

Workshop Recommendations

2026 “Vessel Examiner Workshop” should be completed by June 30, 2026.

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Welcome to the 2026 VE Workshop

This workshop contains the following topics:

Strategic Goal Update.
Quality vs Quantity VSC.
Keep aware of Federal regulations.
How to find State requirements.
Paddlecraft vs Power definition.
Paddlecraft VSC.
Life Jacket Wear by VEs.
eVDSD

MMSI.
End of “America’s Waterway Watch”.
“I Want a VSC” QR.
USCG Recall Data Reminder.
Coming in 2026.
Appendix A (USCG Auxiliary only).
Appendix B (USPS/America’s Boating Club only).

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Strategic Goal Update

Auxiliary Goal:

Reduce boating related incidents by 10% each year in 2025 and 2026.

V Directorate Goal:

Increase qualified Vessel Examiners by 5% each year in 2025 and 2026.

2025 Results so far: 24% increase in new VE’s

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Balancing “Quality vs. Quantity” VSCs

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Vessel Examiners are encouraged to provide QUALITY by spending time educating boaters on safety issues during the VSC. Have you done more than check the blocks? Did the owner learn something during the VSC?

A VSC is performed only with the owner or operator present during the VSC.

Even if a vessel appears unlikely to meet safety requirements, the owner or operator should still be invited to have a VSC. It provides an opportunity for boaters to learn more about what safety equipment their boat requires, and is strictly a courtesy examination, without consequences if the vessel fails to pass.

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When doing a VSC, Vessel Examiners are to use the current “Federal Requirements for Recreational Boaters" as a resource for vessel regulations. The latest regulation requirements are included. See QR Code below.

Keep aware of Federal regulations

Federal Requirements for Recreational Boaters

ANSC 3003a

QR code handout

Obsolete

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How to find States’ regulations

National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) State Law Dashboards provides information about specific state boating laws, regulations, and other areas of boating safety interest that were in effect as of May 2020. Examples of the links provided:

Life Jacket requirements

Waterskiing requirements

Marine Sanitation Devices

Personal Watercraft (PWC)

Title & Registration requirements

The “State Law Dashboards” do not provide a complete listing of all state boating laws and regulations.

The laws and regulations are subject to change without notice.

Contact the appropriate State & Territories “Boating Contacts” (administrators) program for more details and the latest information.

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Paddlecraft definition per 33 CFR 173.3:

Means a vessel powered only by its occupants, using a single or double- bladed paddle as a lever without the aid of a fulcrum provided by oarlocks, thole pins, crutches, or similar arrangements.

USCG Memorandum 03 OCT 08:

“The CG has determined that, when beyond the narrow limits of a swimming, surfing or bathing area, the device known as a “paddleboard” is a vessel under 46 U.S.C section 2101, and therefore subject to applicable regulations administered by the USCG.”

Many States require a vessel with a motor to be registered with the State. Know your State’s requirements.

Paddlecraft vs. Power

If the vessel has a motor (internal combustion or electric) and/or sail, then use the 7012 form (not 7012A) when doing the VSC.

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Paddlecraft: �Participation and Fatalities are Rising.�

40 percent of recreational boaters are paddlers
35M paddlers and growing by 1M every year
From 2014 to 2024:

Paddlecraft fatalities grew by 38%
All other boating fatalities declined by 20%

Wearing a lifejacket can save your life!

VEs should emphasize Who, Where, When, and Why to wearing a lifejacket
Does it fit? Is it the right type for the conditions?
Demonstrate fitting lifejacket

Always Paddle Sober!

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Participation in paddle sports is growing:

35 million paddlers and growing by 1 million each year.
From 2014 to 2024:

paddlecraft fatalities rose 38%
all other boating fatalities declined by 20%

Technical note:

The 2024 RBS Statistics showed a decline in paddle sports (PS) fatalities from 172 to 157 but:

From 2014 to 2024, PS fatalities increased by 38% (114 in 2014 and 157 in 2024)
During same period, overall fatalities fell from 610 to 556 (Decline of 9%) and Non-paddlecraft fatalities fell from 496 to 399 (Decline of 20 %).
The 2023-2024 decline in boating fatalities is associated with a change in data collection methods in 2024, accounting for a 3% decline in fatalities reported.

Paddlecraft offer several advantages for the new vessel operator to easily get on the water – inexpensive initial costs, no fuel cost, easier storage, less maintenance, etc.

However - the novice or inexperienced paddler often does not recognize the vital need for boating safety skills & knowledge.

VEs should be knowledgeable about discussing paddlecraft safety

Especially lifejackets – selection, fitting, and wearing are critical! Note the proper strap adjust process shown in the video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8ki5v2HYJU).
The Discussion Guide (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o01Zh6378E3HQgyem8oL6iFYwpmNDdib/view ) contains several paddlecraft safety topics.
Have questions? Contact the Paddlecraft Safety Division, Your District Paddlecraft Coordinator (contact list coming soon)

Wearing Lifejacket Saves Lives! Educate and encourage lifejacket wear.

Will not save your life it you are not wearing it
Purchase a comfortable lifejacket appropriate for your craft.
Does it Fit?

Is it right size?
Know how to tighten/loosen the straps?
Start by tightening side straps from the bottom (under rib cage)
then snug up the shoulder straps
test to see that shoulder straps cannot rise up to the ears

Paddle Sober (https://www.watersportsfoundation.com/video-always-paddle-sober/)

(NEXT SLIDE)

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Paddlecraft: �Vessel Exams: A Chance to Influence Behavior

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Form 7012a – Paddlecraft VSC

Review the federal regulations

Lifejacket, whistle, and light

Reinforce how lifejackets save lives!
7012a is NOT a checklist but an opportunity to have a paddlecraft safety discussion!

Don’t rush – Quality over Quantity!
Use the Discussion Guide for various safety topics

Emphasize Best Practices with the paddlecraft livery owner/representative so they promote safe paddling to the paddlecraft renter.

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Paddlecraft: �Beyond the legal requirements

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Encourage the paddler to expand their paddling knowledge and skills

Take an ACA class or join a paddling club!
Never paddle alone!
Are You Dressed Appropriately?
Dress for the Water Temp, NOT the Air Temp

ABC = Anything But Cotton!

Environment Concerns – Water, Weather, Winds,& Waves?
Is it the Right Venue for the Paddler and the Vessel?

Do Paddler’s Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities match the Location (Open Water) and Conditions (Lumpy Water)?

See The Discussion Guide for additional topics

Emphasize that Learning is Fun!

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Paddlecraft: �Check out our great Resources and Partnerships!

The AUXPAD Program Resource Page contains:

Videos
On-water and Ashore Training Available for Auxiliarists
The Paddlecraft Discussion Guide for Vessel Examiners
Who To Contact – The AUXPAD Coordinator Directory
American Canoe Association Smart Start for Safe Paddling
Smart Start for Safe Paddling Online Course
The AUXPAD Working Group on Facebook
The USCG Auxiliary Paddlecraft Safety Division on FB
The US Power Squadrons’ Paddle Smart seminar
And More!

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Life Jacket Wear Requirements for Vessel Examiners

When within 30 feet of the water, or when on the water, VEs must wear a Life Jacket.
Life Jackets must be US Coast Guard Approved and in good working condition but can be personally owned.

The Life Jacket does not need to be an USCG Auxiliary Surface Operations qualified PFD.

It is recommended that leaders consider making Life Jackets part of the Uniform of the Day during VSC, Public Affairs, and Public Education activities.
Lead by example!

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Electronic Visual Distress Signaling Device (eVDSD)

Educate vessel owners/operators that batteries used in “Electronic Visual Distress Signaling Devices” (eVDSD) should be replaced annually. This not a requirement.
To replace pyrotechnic VDS (flares) MUST have both “Day” AND “Night” non-pyrotechnic VDS to meet day/night VDS carriage requirements.

DAY

NIGHT (eVDSD)

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MMSI – Critical Discussion Topic

DSC distress calls with missing or out-of-date MMSI registrations make a resolution of distress situations much more difficult.
Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) is used by maritime Digital Selective Calling (DSC) to uniquely identify a ship’s radio station.
It is required to keep the MMSI registration current:

Sell a vessel with radio – Preferred: Transfer the MMSI registration to the new vessel owner at the time the vessel is sold. Alternate: Deprogram or destroy programmed devices upon sale.
Buy a used radio – Must contact the radio manufacturer to remove the original MMSI. Enter a new MMSI into the radio.
Update their MMSI registration whenever their contact or vessel information changes.

More MMSI info can be found at:

https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/maritime-mobile-service-identity

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For boaters with a VHF radio, it is imperative that you discuss the DSC/MMSI as part of your education process. The USCG is counting on us to help reduce the amount of missing or incorrect data currently out there.
Educate the vessel owner about their responsibility to accurately maintain their MMSI registration.
Share with vessel owner the different methods of maintaining an accurate MMSI registration:

Selling the vessel. Both the seller and buyer must show proof that both parties concur with the transfer. If not; must remove original MMSI or destroy the radio.
Buying a used radio. Replace existing MMSI with new MMSI.
If unable to “transfer” MMSI registration MUST remove, per manufacture’s instructions, original MMSI and enter a new MMSI.
Whenever their contact or vessel information changes must update their MMSI registration thru their MMSI registration agent.

MMSI registration agents: FCC, BoatUS, US Power Squadrons, Sea Tow (no longer issuing new MMSI), and Shine Micro Inc.

MMSI must be obtained from FCC if the recreational vessel either;

(1) travels to foreign ports or
(2) makes international communications.

Use of inaccurate MMSIs is a violation of FCC rules, with potential impact upon safety of life and property. Violators are subject to penalties, including monetary penalties as high as $16,000 for each violation.

(NEXT SLIDE)

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Test transmissions can be made to another vessel by using a routine individual call to the other radio’s Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI). Consult the radio manufacturer’s manual to determine proper operation.

To perform a DSC “Test Call” with the USCG, enter the coast station group identity “003669999” into the radio’s DSC memory. Once stored, a DSC “Test Call” can be made by executing the following three steps:

(1) Select “Test Call” from the radio’s DSC menu,

(2) Select the USCG number entered into memory, and

(3) Transmit the call.

The radio display should indicate when that “Test Call” is acknowledged and display the acknowledging station’s nine-digit identity. That identity may be different than the group identity previously entered into memory.

Under no circumstances should a DSC “Distress Alert” be sent to test your radio.

Checking a MMSI

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Obtaining a “Domestic” MMSI

Vessels travelling only to “domestic” ports and transmitting radio communications only to “domestic” stations (radio) must:

FCC “Station License” and “Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit” are not required. “International” voyages must have FCC issued MMSI #.
Obtain an MMSI # from either BoatUS or U.S. Power Squadrons.
May obtain an FCC “Station License” MMSI instead of a BoatUS or U.S. Power Squadrons MMSI.
BoatUS or U.S. Power Squadrons issued MMSI #s are NOT included on the international MMSI database.

Educate vessel owners about obtaining, updating, and transferring MMSI # by sharing “obtaining a MMSI” information.

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Obtaining a “Domestic” MMSI cont’d

BoatUS application or update is by using the BoatUS Mar iti me Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) link.

Select either “1^st Time MMSI Registration”, “Obtain Additional MMSI”, “Manage Existing MMSI”, or “Request MMSI Transfer”.
Follow the instructions & answer the questions. Reasonably clear/easy process.
Load the BoatUS issued MMSI # into the radio. Follow the radio manufacturer's instructions.

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Obtaining a “Domestic” MMSI cont’d

U.S. Power Squadrons (USPS) application is by using the USPS MMSI link.

Create an account by selecting “Create Member Account”.
Click on “Request New MMSI” (near bottom of left menu), fill in requested data, and save by clicking “Add Registration”.
Load the US Power Squadrons issued MMSI # into the radio. Follow the radio manufacturer's instructions.
Updating boat/contact info or transferring MMSI click on MMSI Support

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Obtaining an “International” MMSI

Vessels travelling to “foreign” ports or transmitting radio communications to “foreign” stations (radio) must:

Obtain an FCC “Station License” for the vessel (valid for 10 years).
Load the FCC MMSI #, issued with the “Station License”, into the radio. Follow the radio manufacturer's instructions.
Obtain an FCC “Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit” for the radio operator. (no test required and valid for the lifetime of the licensee)
FCC issued MMSI #s are included on both the international & domestic MMSI databases.

Educate vessel owners about obtaining, updating, and transferring MMSI # by sharing “obtaining a MMSI” information.

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Obtaining an “International” MMSI cont’d

FCC “Station License” is obtained by submitting the FCC on-line Form 605 using the Universal Licensing System (ULS) License Manager.

Will need to have an FCC Registration Number (FRN) and password.
Select “Apply for a new license” (for new license), “Renew licenses” (for renewal), or “Update licenses” (for updating vessel or contact info).
Select “SA or SB - Ship” for “Select Service”.
Follow the instructions & answer the questions. Reasonably clear/easy process.

FCC “Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit” is obtained by submitting the FCC on-line Form 605 using the Universal Licensing System (ULS) License Manager.

Will need to have an FCC Registration Number (FRN) and password.
Select “Apply for a new license” (for new “…Permit”).
Select “RR – Restricted Operator” for “Select Service”.
Follow the instructions & answer the questions. Reasonably clear/easy process.

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Effective immediately the USCG is no longer promoting the “America's Waterway Watch” (AWW) program. The AWW program has been replaced by Homeland Security’s “See Something, Say Something” (SSSS) program.

Take the following actions regarding AWW materials:

1. Do not distribute any AWW materials to the boating public.

2. Remove from display any AWW materials.

3. Destroy all local stocks of AWW materials. Trash is acceptable for destruction.

End of “America’s Waterway Watch”

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VSC Decal – “I Want a VSC” QR code

The VSC decal includes a QR code that:

Provides direct access to the “I Want a VSC” website.
If one of the selected VEs is not available, they should "Reply All" so that one of the other VEs can follow up. The other choice is that the VE checks with another VE in their flotilla to see if they can cover and then "Reply All" to indicate it is being handled.

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USCG Recall Reminders

All VE’s should periodically check the USCG Boating Safety recall page for information on marine industry related recalls.
Be sure to pass along anything pertinent from this page during your VSC interaction

https://uscgboating.org/content/recalls.php

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Coming in 2026

In development by the V Directorate, with more information coming later this year.

Updates to the VE and PV qualification test questions.
Transition VSC Manual to Handbook.
Support for the National Recreational Boating Safety Survey (NRBSS).

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US Coast Guard Auxiliary

Vessel Examiners must complete the “Appendix A”.

US Power Squadrons/America’s Boating Club

Vessel Examiners must complete the “Appendix B”.

Appendix requirements

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US Coast Guard Auxiliary

Appendix A

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Approved Vessel Examiner Uniforms�

Any VE who wants a Type 3 Auxiliary PFD may request one

through the normal COLM requests process.

Wear one of the following uniforms:

Operational Dress Uniform (ODU);
Alternative Working Uniform (AWU);
Hot Weather uniform (HWU) (if regionally authorized).
The Auxiliary VE Polo shirt (white, navy blue, or powder blue) is authorized as an optional uniform shirt worn as part of the ODU, AWU, or HWU.

Uniforms shall be worn per “BSX Policy Letter 23-02” including plain black socks.
Must wear a life jacket for all VSCs done on a boat that is in or within 30 feet of the water.
Never say no to giving a VSC no matter what (except for life jacket)!

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To model the behavior we want from our fellow boaters:

VEs shall wear a life jacket when within 30 feet of or on the water, and are encouraged to do so when doing VSCs ashore.
VEs should strongly consider wearing an inflatable life jacket to encourage boaters to wear inflatables PFDs.

The VE Polo shirt is not authorized for wear as a stand alone item with civilian clothing or on patrol, and no insignia, name tag, or breast device shall be worn with the shirt.

Must be sourced through the AUXCEN
Headgear (e.g. covers) should ONLY display the member device

VEs shall comply with local policies regarding uniforms.
For specific details on Uniform policies, refer to “BSX Policy Letter 23-02” available at: https://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=BX-GROUP&category=2023-policy-letters
Forward any questions and comments that you have up the chain of leadership.
VE’s should always find a way to say YES to giving a VSC. (vessels under 65 feet)

(NEXT SLIDE)

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Reporting VSC activity

Travel time to & from the VSC is reported as 99B on ANSC 7029 form.
Time spent waiting between VSCs is reported as 99B on ANSC 7029 form.
Mileage & non-reimbursed costs associated with VSCs should be reported on ANSC 7029 form.
If a Facility does NOT pass the inspection, it’s reported as 91A or 91H.
Only 1 “lead” per 7038 Form. Do NOT use “Non-Lead”.
Only 1 “trainee” per individual VSC.

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ONLY 1 “trainee” is listed here.

“Non-lead” are NOT listed.

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Reporting VSC activity cont’d

When entering VSC activity into Auxdata II

Only the position of “lead” (and “trainee” if required) is used when reporting VSC activity.
Only 1 “trainee” per individual VSC.
The position of “non-lead” is NOT used when reporting VSC activity.
An “assistant” would report their time as 99B on ANSC 7029 form.

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ONLY 1 “trainee” is listed

“Non-lead” is NOT used

ONLY 1 “lead” is listed

Auxdata II “Add Member Section”

For VSC activity

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Additional Resources

Auxiliary National “V” Department website

http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=v-dept

Federal Requirements for Recreational Boaters

https://www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/AssetManager/Boaters-Guide-to-Federal-Requirements-for-Receational-Boats-20231108.pdf

America’s Boating Channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1c_rFyt1fGqvdiSauAijAg

Paddlecraft Vessel Safety Check Addendum

http://vdept.cgaux.org/JobAidFiles/SUBsVSCManualAddendum.pdf

B-Directorate paddlecraft Safety

http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=B-DEPT&category=paddlecraft-safety

Vessel Safety Checks for Rental Agencies (Liveries)

http://vdept.cgaux.org/JobAidFiles/Vessel-Exams-For-Rental-Marina-Facilities.pdf

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2026 V-DIRECTORATE STAFF�

Director (DIR-V)	Mark Crary
Deputy Director (DIR-Vd)	Kaivan Rahbari
Division Chief – Vessel Exams (DVC-VE)	Craig Brown
Division Chief – Visitation Programs (DVC-VP)	Neil Slawson
Division Chief – Safety Programs (DVC-VT)	Murray Price
Division Chief – Incentive Programs (DVC-VI)	Robert Hamming
Division Chief – Special Projects (DVC-VS)	William Jefferson
Division Chief – Communications (DVC-VC)	Zacary Wilson-Fetrow

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Conclusion

This completes the Auxiliary 2026 VSC Workshop.
On behalf of the entire Auxiliary V-Directorate:

Thank you to all the VEs for the outstanding job you are doing!
Your efforts have a positive impact on recreational boating and contribute significantly to reducing boating fatalities and property damage.

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US Power Squadrons/America’s Boating Club

Appendix B

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Approved Vessel Examiner Uniforms�America’s Boating Club members�

Wear the red USPS or America’s Boating Club VE Polo shirt (with words “Vessel Examiner” under the logo).
Wear tan or khaki-colored pants (long or short).
VEs should strongly consider wearing an inflatable life jacket during a Vessel Safety Check.
Must wear a life jacket for all VSCs done on a boat that is in or within 30 feet of the water.
Never say no to giving a VSC no matter what (except for life jacket)!

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Reporting VSC activity

Submit each completed VSC via VSC Online Submittal.
Complete the “Online Submittal Form” per below.

Only 1 “trainee” per individual “mentored” VSC.

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Additional Resources

US Power Squadrons National Vessel Safety Check website

https://www.usps.org/departments/12000/12900/12900-vessel-safety-check

Federal Requirements for Recreational Boaters

https://www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/AssetManager/Boaters-Guide-to-Federal-Requirements-for-Receational-Boats-20231108.pdf

America’s Boating Channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1c_rFyt1fGqvdiSauAijAg

Paddlecraft Vessel Safety Check Addendum

http://vdept.cgaux.org/JobAidFiles/SUBsVSCManualAddendum.pdf

B-Directorate paddlecraft Safety

http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=B-DEPT&category=paddlecraft-safety

Paddlecraft videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5e0WlXgNGDg

Vessel Safety Checks for Rental Agencies (Liveries)

http://vdept.cgaux.org/JobAidFiles/Vessel-Exams-For-Rental-Marina-Facilities.pdf

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2026 VSC STAFF�

USCGAux Director (DIR-V)	Mark Crary
USCGAux Deputy Director (DIR-Vd)	Kaivan Rahbari
USCGAux Division Chief – Vessel Exams (DVC-VE)	Craig Brown, SN-ACN
USPS Rear Commander – Safety Committee	Gino Bottino, AP-IN
USPS Staff Commander – VSC	Joseph “Jeff” McKinney, SN-CN

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Conclusion

This completes the Power Squadrons 2026 VSC Workshop.
On behalf of the entire Auxiliary V-Directorate and US Power Squadrons Safety Committee:

Thank you to all the VEs for the outstanding job you are doing!
Your efforts have a positive impact on recreational boating and contribute significantly to reducing boating fatalities and property damage.

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