Everything You Wanted to Know About a CME

Why Get a CME?

Safety, safety, safety.

A personal observation about boating safety.

What is a CME?

The Coast Guard Auxiliary Courtesy Marine Examination (CME) program is exactly what the name implies: an examination of your boat for safety equipment, that is performed as a courtesy to the boater. It is performed by a member of the Auxiliary who has passed written and practical tests to qualify as a Vessel Examiner. It is NOT an "inspection", nor should you construe it to be a marine survey. This safety examination costs you nothing and, if your boat and its equipment qualify, it is eligible to display a current Coast Guard Auxiliary CME decal (8k GIF).

What Does a CME Include?

The Courtesy Marine Examination covers all equipment required under the Federal Requirements, and then some, including:

Fire Extinguishers: proper type, number, stowage, and serviceability
PFDs: number, type, stowage, and serviceability
Numbering and Registration: is your boat currently registered? Are the hull numbers correctly mounted and spaced 3" block letters? (Amazing how many aren't!)
Navigation Lights: legal number, placement, and operation
Sound Producing Device: proper operation
Visual Distress Signals: number, type, stowage, and serviceability
Ventilation: proper ventilation, bilge blower operation
Backfire / Flame Control: USCG-approved device installed, serviceable, and clean
Anchor and Anchor Rode: proper anchor and rode aboard and serviceable (one required, two preferred)
Fuel System: condition of tanks, hoses, and plumbing (where visible)
Alternate Propulsion: boats less than 16-feet in length require a paddle or other means of alternate propulsion
De-watering Device: presence of manual device for de-watering boat (bucket or hand pump). This is in addition to properly operating electric bilge pump, if installed.
General Condition: overall seaworthiness of vessel, galley and equipment, and electrical system and batteries
State Requirements: presence of any state-mandated equipment, if applicable.
FCC License: NO LONGER required if VHF radio, RADAR, or EPIRB present on the boat. However, it is still needed for foreign travel.
Marine Sanitation Device: check for approved device, discharge rules compliance.
Navigation Rules: on board (applicable to boats over 12 meters in length).
Oily Waste Discharge Placard:(length 26 feet and over).
Trash Disposal (MARPOL) Placard: (length 26 feet and over).

Other Federal Requirements not part of the CME (compliance not required for decal.)

Capacity Plate
Hull Identification Number
Manufacturer's Certificate of Compliance

What Are the Most Common Reasons for Non-Qualification?

Often, a boat will not qualify for a CME sticker, the first time it is examined by a Coast Guard Auxiliary Vessel Examiner. This is usualy no great cause for alarm. However, if you are interested in getting this decal, and want to get a jump on qualifying, note that we have observed that the most common reasons for first time non-qualification are:

Dirty backfire flame arrestor (on gasoline in-board engine)
One or more ungrounded battery terminals exposed without a cover, and/or battery not secured by tie-downs. For a CME, all ungrounded (usually positive) terminals must be covered.
Missing or outdated flares. While there are other devices accepted for emergency signaling, flares are the most common.
Registration lettering on bow too closely spaced. There MUST be a full space between the leading 2 letters and the numbers, as well as a full space between the numbers and the final 2 letters.
Dry chemical fire extinguisher left for too long a time period in an upright position without regular shaking, or with pressure below acceptable level
Electrical problems, such as non-operating navigation lights and/or horn.
Old-style PFDs with leaking bags of flotation material, or straps that have deteriorated in the sun.

What Happens If My Boat Doesn't Qualify?

Nothing! You will be given a list of items that need correction; no report of deficiencies is sent to the Coast Guard or any law enforcement agency. When the deficiencies are corrected, you will be issued a CME Decal.

Will a CME Decal Keep Me From Getting Boarded?

No! The CME Decal is no guarantee that you won't be boarded by the Coast Guard or any other law enforcement agency. On the other hand, since most random boardings are to check safety equipment, the presence of a CME Decal indicates that your boat has already been inspected and qualified. All things being equal, they may choose to "visit" someone else...

How Can I Get a CME?

If you know someone in the Auxiliary, ask them. If not, call the local Coast Guard station (or the national Coast Guard number, 800-336-2628 / 800-245-2628 in VA), ask around your marina, watch for CME announcements in your local paper, or CME stations at launch ramps and marinas.

Some Pictures!

Another happy boater whose boat has just qualified to receive the CME sticker! Picture 37K JPEG
Mr. Swanson (CGAUX) applies the new 1995 pink CME sticker to a qualifying boat. Picture 12K JPEG

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