What does a Vessel Safety Check (VSC) help to determine?

A Vessel Safety Check (VSC) primarily aims to assess whether a watercraft complies with federal and state safety regulations. During a VSC, certified inspectors evaluate various safety features on the boat, such as the presence of life jackets, fire extinguishers, flares, and other required equipment. This process not only ensures that the vessel meets legal requirements but also helps to educate boaters on safety practices and promotes safer boating habits. Ensuring compliance with safety regulations is critical to reducing accidents and fatalities on the water, making this choice the most relevant in the context of VSC objectives. The other choices, while important aspects of boating, do not directly relate to the primary intent of a Vessel Safety Check.