Safe Boater's Checklist

SAFE BOATERS CHECKLIST

EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST REQUIRED AND/OR RECOMMENDED       

• Boater Education Card
• Boat registration (certificate of number) or documentation certificate
• Life jacket suitable for each person on board, readily accessible, in good condition
• Throwable floatation aid immediately available
• Fire extinguishers conveniently placed, fully charged, in good condition
• Visual distress signals (with current expiration dates for flares)
• Working horn or whistle
• Anchor and anchor line appropriate to area, depth, conditions
• Compass properly adjusted
• Charts for the area, up to date
• Boat hook
• Mooring lines and fenders in good condition
• Paddles or oars
• Tool kit and spare parts (including light bulbs, fuses)
• Flashlight
• Bucket or bailing device
• VHF radio (cell phone as backup)
• First aid kit
• Weather or AM radio
• Personal items (drinking water, sunscreen, prescription drugs, etc.)

VESSEL SYSTEMS CHECKLIST                                                                     

• Bilge free of fuel vapors and excess water
• Fuel supply full
• Fuel system free of leaks
• Engine oil and transmission fluid levels correct
• Battery fully charged, fluid level full
• Electronic gear in good condition
• Engine drive belts tight, in good condition
• All navigation lights working
• Steering and shift mechanisms in good condition
• Outboard motor mountings tight (if appropriate)
• Grab Rails, life-lines in good condition

DEPARTURE CHECKLIST                                                                               

• Make sure each person has a properly fitted personal floatation device (PFD) and urge him or her to wear it. Youth 12 and under are required to wear a PFD
• Show passengers:
  • Location of PFDs, fire extinguishers, visual distress signals, first aid kit, and how to use them
  • Safety procedures for rough weather, man overboard, fire, using VHF radio to signal for help
• Take in all dock lines and fenders
• Instruct passengers to stay seated and keep hands, arms, etc. inside the boat
• Sound proper whistle (horn) signals
• As you leave the dock area, take in all lines and fenders and keep them clear of the propeller
• Keep a lookout at all times for other boats, persons, and objects in the water
• Proceed slowly whenever leaving or returning to a dock
• Use just enough power to maintain control

3/1/2021