Jack Hoffman, Past Commander of Kent Narrows Sail and Power Squadron, recently completed a vessel safety check of Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department’s Fireboat 1, which is on a lift in Queen’s Landing marina in a slip provided by the management of the marina

Tracy Schulz, formerly Chief of KIVFD, was onboard for the inspection. Fireboat 1 is a 33 foot aluminum boat equipped with fire fighting equipment and a well stocked first aid kit. Their location provides speedy access to the Chester River, the upper Narrows area and the eastern shore of the island. They work closely with other local fire departments to cover the entire island area with Grasonville keeping their boat at Lippincott Marine on the south side of the Narrows, Queenstown’s boat is in Queenstown Creek, and when United Communities gets their new boat later this year it will be kept at the lower end of Kent Island, probably at Cove Creek Club marina.

A vessel safety check covers a vessel’s equipment for compliance with federal, state and local safety requirements. Fire extinguishers and flares are checked for expiration dates, the condition of life vests are checked as well as the number and location, navigation lights are turned on to be sure they are working properly, sound signals are tested and the overall condition of the vessel is assessed. Owners of recreational boats are encouraged to have an annual safety check just before the summer season begins. To arrange a check of your boat, contact Jack Hoffman at 410-643-6472 and a member of the inspection team will schedule a check at your convenience. Or, you can visit the Kent Narrows Sail and Power Squadron booth at the Bay Bridge Boat Show in April.