An Update on Flare Collections and Vessel Safety Check Program

It’s time for another flare collection event, this one in Dana Point, Orange County, on Saturday, August 16, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Staff will collect items directly from vehicle trunks. OC Waste & Recycling will be joined by the Orange County Health Care Agency, offering a free bilge pad exchange, and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary (Partner Dockwalkers), providing free CA Boater Kits, boating safety info, and E-flare discount coupons (while supplies last).

Accepted Items:

• Handheld Flares
• Aerial Flares
• Smoke Flares

Not Accepted Items:

• Military Flares
• Electronic Flares
• Vehicle/Roadside Emergency Flares
• Hazardous Waste such as Paint, Oil, and E-Waste.

When: Saturday, August 16, 7 a.m.–1 p.m.

Where: 24650 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point, CA

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Get Your FREE Vessel Safety Check

The Vessel Safety Check (VSC) program offers a courtesy examination of your boat (vessel) to verify the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations. Examinations are not a boarding or law enforcement issue. No citations will be given as a result of this encounter. You can see the current vessel safety checklist in this link.

The vessel examiner is a trained specialist member of the United States Power Squadrons or the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. These volunteers will also make certain recommendations and discuss certain safety issues that will make you a safer boater.

In California, recreational vessels are required to carry specified safety equipment that may vary according to type of propulsion, type of construction, area and time of use, and number of people aboard. The examiner will supply you with a copy of the evaluation so that you may follow the suggestions given. Vessels that pass will be able to display a VSC decal. This decal does not exempt you from US Coast Guard or law enforcement boarding, but it signals your intent to be prepared. Some mariners agree that display of the sticker eliminates most on-water checks by the US Coast Guard.

You can sign up for your free Vessel Safety Check here.