Pre-Departure Boat Safety Checklist
To make sure your small boat is seaworthy and all essentials are on board, take 15 minutes for a quick inspection before launch. Complete a pre-departure checklist prior to launch and you can be certain that your boat is in good working order with all the necessary equipment on board.
• First Check the operating condition of your boat: motor, steering, battery, hoses, clamps, wiring, fuel tanks, lines, float switches. Always test your boat lights and carry extra batteries. Have and check all navigation lights as required for your boat. Make sure all instrument lights are working.
• If you have a dual charging system, make sure the selector switch in the proper position. Make sure the power is on to the entire vessel. Have aboard spare batteries for accessories such a your handheld radio, flashlight, portable navigational aid, etc. If the batteries are rechargeable, make sure they’re charged.
• Open all hatches and run the blower after you refuel and before getting underway. Sniff for fumes before starting the engine and if you smell fumes, do not start the engine. Look for the source of the leak.
• On any powered vessel or auxiliary powered sailboat, or vessels using LPG for cooking or heat, check that all interior spaces are well ventilated before departure.
• Make sure you have at least one U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket of correct size and type and properly-fitting for you and every passenger (and, on the water, make sure they are worn, not just stowed). It is wise to attach a whistle to each life jacket.
Also boats longer than 16 feet must have an additional Type IV or throwable flotation device – i.e. buoyant cushion, ring buoy, or horseshoe buoy
• Carry at least one fire extinguisher and make sure it is charged and accessible. Make sure you have at least the number required by Coast Guard rules.
• Make sure you have one anchor set up. Carry two or three extra dock lines in case you encounter unusual conditions dockside. Inspect the lines you use for chafe or wear. Carry at least two fenders on-board for docking or towing if required.
• Emergency supplies – Keep on board in a floating pouch: charts of the local area, flares, a first aid kit.
• Check for other safety equipment appropriate to the size of your boat and the area where it will be operating; flashlight anspare batteries, tool kit, a sunscreen, paddles, oars, binoculars, visual distress signals, and a VHF-FM marine radio. You could also have a horn capable of producing a four-second blast audible for at least 1/2 mile on board.
• Check the capacity plate (if affixed to the hull) or calculate the maximum load to make sure you don’t overload the boat with passengers and gear.
• Make certain your registration is up to date and on board with you and that your boat. Have all other neccessary papers like radio license, fishing permit, etc. on board. Have the chart or charts for the area you intend to cruise in, regardless of your level of local knowledge.
If you are not sure that you can complete all the neccessary cecking yourself, take advantage of a free Vessel Safety Check from the US Coast Guard. They offer complimentary boat examinations to verify the presence and condition of certain Safety Equipment required by State and the Federal regulations. Free of charge, they’ll provide a specialist to check out your boat and make helpful boating safety tips and recommendations.
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