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Pre-Departure Boat Safety Checklist

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water safety

To make sure your small boat is seaworthy and most of essentials are up to speed, choose 15 minutes for a fast review before launching. Entire a pre-departure checklist prior to launching and you could be certain that your boat is in good working order including all of the essential equipment aboard.

• First Assess the functioning state of your ship: engine, steering, battery, hoses, clamps, wiring, fuel tanks, linesand float switches. Always test your vessel lights and carry extra batteries. Have and assess all of navigation lights as required for your vessel. Make sure all instrument lights are all working.

• If you get a dual charging system, be certain that the selector switch in the appropriate position. Make sure the power is to the whole vessel. Have aboard spare batteries for attachments for example a your handheld radio, flashlight, portable navigational aid, etc.. If the batteries are rechargeable, then make sure they're charged.

• Open all hatches and run the blower once you squint and before getting penalized. Sniff for fumes before starting the engine of course, should you smell fumes, then do not start the engine. Search for the source of the flow.

• On any powered boat or auxiliary powered sailboat, or vessels using LPG for cooking or heat, check that indoor spaces are well ventilated before death.

• be sure you have atleast one U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifetime coat of correct size and type and properly matching for you as well as every passenger (and, on the water, make certain that they are worn, perhaps not just stored ). It is prudent to attach a whistle to each lifetime coat.


rescue boat services of one fire extinguisher and make sure it is accessible and charged. Ensure you have at least the number required by Coast Guard rules.

• Make certain that you have one anchor group up. Take a couple of additional pier lines in case you encounter unusual conditions dockside. Inspect the lines you use for chafe or wear. Carry at least 2 fenders on board for docking or towing if required.

• Emergency supplies - Keep on board at a floating bowl: charts of this local area, flares, a medical kit.

You might like to have a horn capable of producing a four-second burst audible for 1/2 mile aboard.

• Check the capacity plate (if affixed to the hull) or calculate the optimum load to be certain you never overload the boat with gear and passengers.


• Ensure that your registration is up to date and aboard together with you and your ship. Have other necessary newspapers like radio license, fishing permit, etc. on board. Have the chart or charts for the region you intend to escape in, no matter your level of local knowledge.

If you are not certain that you can complete all of the necessary checking yourself, use a free Vessel Safety Check from the US Coast Guard. Free of charge, they'll offer an expert to have a look at your boat and create helpful boating safety hints and tips.
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on May 05, 21