Boaters can find peace of mind on Saturday with a free service being offered by the US Coast Guard. Three vessel examiners from the Coast Guard Auxiliary will be checking people’s boats at the Harbor Club Marina by Sonny’s Pizzeria in Sturgeon Bay. One of the examiners, Jeff Feuerstein, says that this check is especially useful for boats traveling on Lake Michigan and Green Bay.

Feuerstein adds that those who pass will get a decal for their boat and if they don’t they will get a list of things needed to pass the check next time. Not only does Feuerstein admire the educational aspect of the checks, but it’s a chance for boaters to stay ahead of the game with compliance. He adds that transient boats can also schedule to be examined at the transient dock. They can also call an examiner to schedule a time that works for both parties outside of Saturday. 

Another plus is that boaters won’t have to worry about being cited, and Feuerstein encourages people with smaller, unregistered boats to put it on a trailer and have it checked out. Some of the boats will also be inspected for the first time in two years, as the Coast Guard could not do checks last year. Depending on the size of the boat, checks are estimated to take 15 to 30 minutes. Feuerstein will serve as the contact point for those who want to sign up for a time slot and can be contacted at 920-450-6069. The event goes from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.