GL: Boardings on craft displaying VSC decals

[Expoconosailor@aol.com]

I am in the Coast Guard Auxiliary and am knowledgeable regarding this  
subject. I am a vessel safety check examiner. The Coast Guard has made it clear,  
"in writing" we are not to tell people they will not be boarded if they display  
the "VSC" decal. This is because they can and will board you for many reasons 
 already explained in other messages. We have been told if local 
officials/Coast  Guardsmen see a vessel with a decal and there are other boats without it 
they  may decide to board the one without it. This does not mean they will.
You should get the exam for you and your passengers' safety. 
We even have Tow boat captains take our boating safety classes and get an  
exam on their boat and these folks are professionals.
Please do yourself and your passengers a favor and get the exam. And if you  
can swing the time, take a boating safety class with either the Coast Guard  
Auxiliary or the Power Squadron. They both do a very good job and are well  
trained.
 
Al Hall
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