Sailopo

Visit my website

Check List for Stepping Aboard a Boat

Stepping Aboard a Boat

• What you should be able to put your hands on:

• Lifejackets & Safety Harnesses

• EBIRB (Know how to activate it)

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

• Life raft and how to deploy

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

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

• Tools

• Fire extinguishers

• Duct Tape

• Manual Bilge Pump Handles

• Fog Horn

• First Aid Kit

• Spare Oil and Filters

• Extra lashings and tie downs

• Every Seacock (or at least know every location)

• Wooden Plugs & Hammer

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

• Check Engine Fluids (Oil/Transmission)

• How do the belts look?

• Check liquid in the batteries.

•  Do you have spare filters and impellers?

• Spare Jerry Jugs of fuel

• On Deck:

• A Knife

• Check Turnbuckles

• Check for chafe in furling return lines.

• Check all Halyards are clear and secure.

• How to launch the MOB

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

• Check Running Lights

• Check Compass Light

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

• Flashlight on deck at night.

• What you should know how to do:

• Start (Stop) and operate the main engine

• Reef the sails

• Rig Jack lines

• Understand the Electrical Panel

• Operate the VHF or SSB in an emergency.

• Operate Bilge pumps (both electrical and Manual)

• 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).

• Rig Preventer

• Release halyards

• What to look out for:

• Each other

• The boom

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

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

• Placing things like open drinks on the counter.

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

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

• When off watch make sure you get enough rest.

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

• Clean up after yourself in the head and galley.

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

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