Print this page and keep it with your boat, boatbag, briefcase, logbook, or wherever most convenient. As skipper, review the checklist aloud for all members of your crew and passengers before departure. By using this checklist, or one you develop yourself, you’ll be sure that everything is on board and in good working order, and your passengers and crew will know where things are stowed in the boat.
(Commander Bob’s memory is not what it used to be, so be sure and double-check the list against your state and Federal reg books to make sure all required equipment is on board.)
- Float plan – let a friend know when you’re leaving, where you’re going, when you expect to return, what to do if you don’t, and a description of your boat
- Charts of the area and compasses
- Registration certificate or documentation
- Personal Flotation Devices (wearable and throwable) – cg approved, good condition, readily accessible, assigned and fitted
- Fire Extinguishers – right number, size, and class for boat; charged, not corroded, nozzle clear, bracketed, readily accessible
- Visual Distress Signals – current dates on pyros, proper number, batteries good if lights or epirb
- Anchors and Line – adequate anchor for bottom, adequate line for water depth
- DeWatering device – bilge pump operable, alternative bailing device available
- Watch or clock – operable
- Boarding ladder (or other means of boarding)
- Heaving lines – at least 30 feet with monkey fist
- Mooring lines – bow, stern, and spring lines, preferably three-stranded nylon with an eye in one end and of adequate length for your boat and mooring conditions
- Bright flashlight or searchlight
- Navigation lights – tested and operable, spare bulbs
- Batteries – fully charged, encased in plastic boxes or terminals covered, securely fastened down
- Sound producing device – horn, whistle appropriate for boat
- Alternate propulsion – paddle or oar
- Boat hook(s)
- FCC license – if VHF radio, radar, epirb or other transmitter aboard and you plan to enter a foreign country
- Oil discharge and trash placards affixed – if required by boat size
- Bell – if required by boat size
- First Aid Kit
- Gauges – functional and reading properly
- Ventilation – power ventilation operable (blower) and natural ventilations cowls open and clear
- Tools and spare parts
- Depth sounder, lead line, or sounding pole
- Compass
- Copy of Colregs (NavRules) – if required by boat size
- Spare propeller and lock nut
- Sunscreen and sunhat
- Extra clothing…wool sweater, gloves, socks and other articles for warming if temperature drops or someone gets wet
- Binoculars
- AM radio…static on AM forewarns of nearby lightning
- Drinking water
- Personal needs like prescription drugs
