Cape Coral Sail and Power Squadron is ready to help boaters prepare for the Florida Freedom Boater Safety Inspection decal
On July 1, the Florida Freedom Boater law went into effect. The law directs the local tax collector to have boat owners complete a “Vessel Safety Equipment Attestation” form to get the Florida Freedom Boater Safety Inspection decal sent to them.
The new form must be completed upon the original registration, renewal, or transfer of vessel ownership. It asks the owner to attest and confirm two statements.
The first states: “I, the undersigned, hereby affirm and attest that the vessel described above is equipped with all safety equipment required by the United States Coast Guard and applicable federal regulations for legal operation on state and federal waters.”
If you are unsure whether you have all the required safety equipment a free Vessel Safety Check can help you identify any items missing or in need of replacement. Vessel examiners associated with the Cape Coral Sail and Power Squadron also know recent changes in the requirements and can keep you informed. It is a good idea to get a free Vessel Safety Check annually as some items on your boat have expiry dates and other items can wear out. Our vessel examiners are trained to identify issues with your required equipment and will keep up to date on all new regulations.
The second states: “I understand that it is my legal responsibility as the owner and/or operator of this vessel to ensure compliance with all applicable maritime safety laws and regulations.”
There are a myriad rules and regulations boaters need to know, federal, state, and local. Our organization offers classes that cover these rules and regulations. The United States Power Squadron’s, America’s Boating Course covers all the requirements established by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and is approved by the State of Florida. Students that take and pass the final examination receive a Florida Boating Safety Education I.D. Card which is good in all states that require a Boating Safety Education I.D. Card.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has a full FAQ at: https://myfwc.com/boating/regulations/freedom-boater-faqs/
It is also recommended that all boaters consider taking our two-hour seminar Rules of the Road. This seminar takes an in-depth look at both Inland and International rules. Boaters on the Florida coast need to know the subtle differences between these rules. The Inland Rules end start as soon as you cross the “Line of Demarcation” and enter the Gulf where the International Rules begin.
For a free Vessel Safety Check call our office at 239-549-9754. The office is staffed Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. One of our volunteers will take your information and a vessel examiner will get back to you to schedule a time for them to come and visit.
Boating classes and seminars resume in September, and all currently offered courses and seminars are list online at ccsaps.org where you can also complete your registration. You may also stop by our offices at 917 S.E. 47th Terrace, Cape Coral. Our volunteer staff is happy to provide more information and answer any questions about our course offering. There you will also find our Ship’s Store with other valuable boating information along with some items for sale, like local charts, guides, and books including, Safe Boating in Southwest Florida, Your Guide to the Many Channels on our Waterways and Barret Bonden’s Local Knowledge Recommended – Things You Wish Someone Had Told You About Boating Here! written by one of our members.
Source: Cape Coral Sail and Power Squadron