131 NOUS42 KCHS 190900 PNSCHS GAZ087-088-099>101-114>119-137>141-SCZ040-042>045-047>052-200900- PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON SC 500 AM EDT SUN MAY 19 2013 SEVERAL SAFE BOATING MESSAGES WILL BE ISSUED THROUGHOUT THE UPCOMING WEEK. TODAYS MESSAGE IS...VESSEL SAFETY CHECKS. THIS BOATING SEASON AND EVERY BOATING SEASON MAKE SURE THAT YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE VESSEL SAEFTY CHECK PROGRAM. IT IS FREE SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE COAST GUARD AUXILIARY AND THE POWER SQUADRONS. A QUALIFIED VESSEL EXAMINER WILL CONDUCT THE INSPECTION OF ALL THE REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT THAT IS CARRIED OR INSTALLED ON THE VESSEL AND CERTAIN ASPECTS OF THE OVERALL VESSEL CONDITION. EVEN IF YOU PAY CAREFUL ATTENTION TO SAFETY...THERE IS STILL THE CHANCE THE DANGEROUS MECHANICAL PROBLEMS MIGHT DEVELOP ON EVEN THE BEST MAINTAINED BOATS. IT IS FOR THIS REASON THAT THE COAST GUARD RECOMMENDS THAT ALL RECREATIONAL BOATS AND PERSONAL WATERCRAFT GET A FREE VESSEL SAFETY CHECK EVERY YEAR. $$