United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
District 9Western - Division 2 - Flotilla 5

Courtesy Marine Vessel Examinations

As one of its boating safety missions, Flotilla 02-05 Chicago will conduct a complimentary Vessel Safety Check of your boat.

An example of some of the items we check include:

Personal Flotation Devices (life jackets)
Registration and numbering
Navigation lights
Ventilation
Fire extinguishers
Distress signals (flares, horn, etc.)
Battery cover and connections
All of these items, and more, are currently required by state and federal regulations and, if missing or non-operating, can result in a citation if your vessel is inspected by local, regional or national law enforcement personnel.

As a matter of law, the Coast Guard Auxiliary is not a law-enforcement agency and therefore DOES NOT issue citations for noncompliance with regulations. The Auxiliary DOES NOT file reports with officials with the Chicago Police Department or Coast Guard on individuals or their vessels for any reason.

The Vessel Safety Check gives you a risk-free way to meet the legal minimums and to potentially avoid a costly citation.  

Please mail the Flotilla Staff Officer-Vessel Examinations to schedule a Vessel Safety Check.