Becoming a Vessel Examiner

UPDATED!

Vessel Examination is one of our cornerstone missions. By talking to boaters while they are safely ashore or dockside, discussing requirements and recommended equipment we reduce the risks those boaters face once underway - we are doing preventative SAR before the boaters get in trouble.

Vessel Examination is one of the easiest of our missions to accomplish as it does not require any equipment or scheduling - you simply need to be qualified, the forms and to be present where boaters congregate.

So how do you become qualified?

1. Request a VSC Manual M16796.8 or download a copy here.
2. Download Forms ANSC-7003, ANSC-7008, ANSC-7012, ANSC-7038 and ANSC-7045 here.
3. Download the Auxiliary Operations Policy Manual here.
4. Study the entire VSC Manual, the forms and the sections of the Auxiliary Operations Policy Manual concerning requirements for surface operational facilities.
5. Take the VE test at the Auxiliary National Testing Center.
6. Conduct five mentored vessel examinations with a currently qualified VE mentor. 
7. The mentor VE will file a 7038 showing you as a trainee with the FSO-IS for entry into AUXDATA. As with any form which includes your activity you should request a copy.
8. The mentor will also complete a D13 Request for VE Certification which is sent to the District Staff Officer for Vessel Examinations (not the DIRAUX).
9. Once you receive notification of qualification.... get out and do Vessel Exams.

As noted previously please inform the FC, VFC or FSO-VE by phone or email when you are planning to do exams to insure you are properly assigned to duty and under the (qualified) umbrella of USCG legal protection.