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Pinellas Marine Deputies Offer Free Safety Checks for Boats

Boat | Recreation | Sports

Boats that are in full compliance will receive a sticker from a Marine Unit deputy, showing that the vessel was in full compliance for future reference.

PINELLAS COUNTY – The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit will conduct free boat safety inspections this weekend at two Pinellas County boat ramps.

Deputies will be checking for required vessel safety equipment.

Deputies will be on-site from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday (May 19) at the Pinellas War Veterans Memorial Park Boat Ramp, 9600 Bay Pines Blvd.

Deputies will also be on-site from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Sunday (May 20) at the Fort Desoto Park Boat Ramp, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde.

Deputies will mainly be checking for:

  • Correct number of life jackets. There needs to be a personal flotation device for each passenger on board and it must be size appropriate.
  • Throw cushions
  • Flares
  • Fire extinguisher

Exact items checked for are dependent on vessel size and their destinations.

Go to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website for a list of other mandatory items based on the type of boat.

Boats that are in full compliance will receive a sticker from a Marine Unit deputy, showing that the vessel was in full compliance for future reference. If it is determined that the vessel is not in compliance, deputies will educate the boat operator about the need for the missing equipment.

Pinellas Sheriff | Boating | Boats | Boat Safety | Recreation | Tampabay News

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