Idea Exchange: A random act of Vessel Examination is a lot of work and stress! Every customer is a stranger. In the trade we call that a “cold call”. In other words you approach a total stranger and you have 15 seconds to sell boating safety and get their permission! There is a way to change that situation so that next year you have an appointment with a friend, you and the boat owner have already met!

Your best lead is someone that you already know, ask for his or her mailing address so you may send a reminder card. When you get home, make a note of the date you will send that post card, follow up next year and before you know it you will have an annual following.

Submitted by: John W. Combs, Vessel Examiner from Flotilla 85, District 7