Check List for Stepping Aboard a Boat

Besides the obvious signs of wear and neglect upon stepping aboard a boat. Here are the things you should check or know about a boat before heading offshore. Please feel free to print the checklist and take it with you on your next passage.

Stepping Aboard a Boat Stepping Aboard a Boat
  • What you should be able to put your hands on:

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  • Lifejackets & Safety Harnesses

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  • EBIRB (Know how to activate it)

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  • Ditch Bag (see "what to look for in an offshore boat")

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  • Life raft and how to deploy

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  •  Emergency Steering (how to set up. Is there a special tool to get access to the steering quadrant? Where is it?)

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  • Flashlights (keep at least one on deck at night)

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  • Tools

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  • Fire extinguishers

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  • Duct Tape

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  • Manual Bilge Pump Handles

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  • Fog Horn

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  • First Aid Kit

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  • Spare Oil and Filters

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  • Extra lashings and tie downs

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  • Every Seacock (or at least know every location)

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  • Wooden Plugs & Hammer

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  • Engine Inlet and strainer: (Know how to clear the strainer)

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  • Check Engine Fluids (Oil/Transmission)

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  • How do the belts look?

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  • Check liquid in the batteries.

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  •  Do you have spare filters and impellers?

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  • Spare Jerry Jugs of fuel

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  • On Deck:

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  • A Knife

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  • Check Turnbuckles

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  • Check for chafe in furling return lines.

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  • Check all Halyards are clear and secure.

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  • How to launch the MOB

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  • Make sure the anchor is very secure, but know how to deploy it quickly in an emergency.

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  • Check Running Lights

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  • Check Compass Light

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  • (Do you have a backup light for the compass light?)

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  • Flashlight on deck at night.

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  • What you should know how to do:

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  • Start (Stop) and operate the main engine

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  • Reef the sails

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  • Rig Jack lines

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  • Understand the Electrical Panel

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  • Operate the VHF or SSB in an emergency.

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  • Operate Bilge pumps (both electrical and Manual)

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  • Garbage Plan - What goes where (Besides an oil pollution placard many boats also require a garbage placard noting what can and what cannot be thrown overboard).

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  • Rig Preventer

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  • Release halyards

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  • What to look out for:

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  • Each other

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  • The boom

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  • Tripping on deck (one hand for you and one for the boat).

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  • Don't block the helm when docking, underway in port or near busy channels

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  • Placing things like open drinks on the counter.

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  • Know not to turn the battery switch off with the engine is running.

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  • Don't be afraid to tell the helmsman about anything ahead (Lobster pots, floating logs) or coming up from behind (faster/bigger boats).

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  • When off watch make sure you get enough rest.

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  • Make sure to take your seasickness medicine if you are prone.

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  • Clean up after yourself in the head and galley.

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  • Make sure to turn off the propane safety switch after using the stove.

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  • If the boat policy is to keep the main water panel switch off when not in use, make sure it is off.

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