New law stops random boat safety inspections


Public Act 62 passed in February and brings the procedures for stopping boats in-line with the reasonable cause procedures by which an automobile may be stopped. Under the new law, a peace officer may only stop and inspect a vessel which bears a U.S. Coast Guard "Safety Decal" upon a reasonable suspicion that the vessel or its operator is in violation of a marine law or is otherwise engaged in criminal activity. If you have a coast guard safety inspection decal on your boat, you are free from random inspections. The new law will be effective on November 1, 2012. Inspections are free and can be arranged through your local marina, boat association or directly with the Coast Guard on their website: http://www.safetyseal.net/GetVSC/

Good Info !!!! laszlo

Thanks. Definitely need that inspection sticker by next spring.

Good to know!!! Wish it was in effect now!

The local Power Squadron guys do them at the ramps around here. I've had one done and it take all but 5 min...quick and painless.....but the sticker never helped me in the past from getting inspected by the water patrol...they have their days when they are on a power trip and will stop you no matter what.