Check List for Stepping Aboard a Boat
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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.