Phil Creter - Broadwater Resident, Certified USCGAUX Vessel Examiner

The US Coast Guard Auxiliary issues 2019 Vessel Safety decals for safe boats including sail and power vessels, kayaks, canoes, row boats and paddle boards, free to boaters when their vessel passes a safe vessel check. Also available are FREE Eckerd College Search and Rescue stickers with phone number and VHF Channel and FREE Paddle Craft vessel identification stickers.
Regardless of the type of boat or paddle craft, I am available to review the US Coast Guard safe boating requirements list with you and if your vessel satisfies the required criteria from this simple checklist, I will issue a highly visible 2019 Vessel Safety Check decal that lets local police and sheriff patrol boats know that your vessel does not need to be boarded for a safety inspection.

If your vessel is deficient in any aspect from the safety list, you have the opportunity to correct the deficiency. Deficiencies are NOT reported to any law enforcement office. This inspection/review is done solely for your safety on the water and peace of mind that you have the minimum safety equipment onboard in an emergency.

But no matter the ultimate outcome of the free inspection and review, every boater receives the Eckerd College Search and Rescue (EC-SAR) informational sticker. EC-SAR provides free assistance to boaters (including towing) in Tampa Bay and up to 10 miles offshore in the Gulf and is in service 24/7. EC-SAR is usually very prompt and is a true neighborhood benefit. No local boater should be without this sticker with Eckerd contact information posted by the helm.

Small boats and paddle craft often turn up in the Bay or in our canals after a storm. It’s always a concern for the Coast Guard when an unmarked small boat or paddle craft is found adrift. Authorities often can't be immediately certain if they have an actual search and rescue case for a missing person or if the vessel is simply adrift. A FREE Paddle Craft vessel identification sticker with contact information on the vessel provides value for the owner and, more important, search and rescue teams.

Does your first mate know how to take over in an emergency? A current schedule (also included with the kit) of Boating Skills & Seamanship classes provided by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary every Tuesday, 7 pm on St. Pete Beach at the Warren Webster Building on 1500 Pass-a-Grille Way, St. Pete Beach (only 10 to 15 minutes from Broadwater). These 12-week repeating- year long cycle (start anytime) comprehensive classes provide a sound, safe basis for beginning boaters and at $45 per participant or $60 per couple sharing materials. Detailed up to date schedules are available.

Important Note for Broadwater Canals: In addition to helping reduce injuries and death on the water, the Vessel Safety Check also helps keep the canals clean and healthy. Item 15A requires inspection of the bilge for cleanliness. In some cases, non-compliance can occur due to an oil film on the surface water in the bilge that can then get pumped out into our canals during a rain storm. The simple remedy is to obtain an oil absorbent boom or pillow that removes or catches petroleum fluids before they make a dangerous mess in the bilge. Absorbers absorb oil but not water and won't disintegrate even after many uses. A 2-quart absorber costs about $10.

Call or email me (727-865-2226; phillipcreter@verizon.net) for more information and an appointment for your FREE Vessel Safety Check with Boating Kit.