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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.
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.
This creates a private checklist in your account.