Discover Boating

Pre-Departure Checklist

Pre-Departure

• Life Jackets

• Have at least one Coast Guard-approved life jacket per passenger and a minimum of two on board.

• An additional throwable device is required if the vessel is more than 16 feet long.

• Explain the location and use of all life jackets to passengers and crew that may be new to the vessel.

• Sound Producing Devices

• Have a horn capable of producing a four-second blast audible for at least 1/2 mile on board. 

• If you use portable air horn, have a spare can of air or an alternate device

• Attach a whistle to each life jacket.

• Lights and Shapes

• Have all navigation lights as required for your boat.

• Make sure all instrument lights are working.

• If you intend to engage in a recreational boating activity that requires a day-shape, have the required shapes.

• Have aboard a flashlight and spare batteries.

• Distress Signals

• Make flares, day signals, etc., accessible and ensure they are stored in a dry location.

• Inform the crew and passengers of their location and safety rules for proper usage.

• Tools and Spares

• Carry a basic toolbox with tools appropriate for your boat.

• Carry a box of spares including fuel filter, light bulbs, head parts, through-hull plugs, etc.

• Check to ensure you have a standard first-aid kit onboard

• Fuel and Oil

• Top off your fuel tanks.

• If you can\'t, have enough fuel to provide a reasonable margin of safety for your return.

• Check the engine oil and coolant levels.

• Fire Extinguishers 

• Carry at least one fire extinguisher and make sure it is accessible. Make sure you have at least the number required by Coast Guard rules. 

• Check to be sure mounts are secure and functional before departure.

• Take the time to point out locations to passengers and crew.

• Ventilation

• 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.

• If fuel smells are detected before ventilating, check after running the blowers for several minutes before starting.

• If odor persists, shut down the engine and look for the source of the leak.

• For any enclosed or semi-enclosed area, ensure you have at least one properly installed and working carbon monoxide detector

• Bilges

• Check to be sure bilges are reasonably dry and that pumps are not running excessively.

• Clean up any spilled oil or waste in bilges to prevent overboard discharge.

• Weather Forecast

• Always check the weather forecast before boating.

• Have a radio on board to receive weather updates.

• Battery Care 

• 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 as your handheld radio, flashlight, portable navigational aid, etc. 

• If the batteries are rechargeable, make sure they\'re charged.

• Docking and Anchoring Tips

• Have at least one anchor set up and bent-on to your anchor line. 

• Carry two or three extra dock lines in case you encounter unusual conditions dockside.

• Visually inspect the lines you use for chafe or wear. 

• Carry at least two fenders on-board for docking or towing if required.