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Boating Pre-Trip Checklist
Documentation
- Boat registration and proof of insurance
- Birth certificate or passport for each person on board if crossing into another country
What to leave behind
- Be sure to keep your boat title and an itemized inventory of your personal contents in a safe place on shore.
- Make a float plan and leave it with a responsible person on shore.
Required equipment (The U.S. Coast Guard and state laws require you to carry the following items while boating)
- One personal flotation device (PFD) in good condition for each person on board, plus a throwable cushion or ring for each person. The PFD must be out of packaging and readily available for use. The PFD should be well-fitted to the passenger.
- Three current-dated, handheld, Coast Guard-approved flares or visual distress signals.
- The correct number of fire extinguishers for the size of the vessel.
- Working running lights.
- Bell or whistle (for vessels less than 39.4 feet). Vessels 39.4 feet to 65.6 feet must carry a bell and a whistle.
- For boats built after April 25, 1940, at least two ventilator ducts fitted with cowls, or their equivalent, for the purpose of properly and efficiently ventilating the bilges of every closed engine and fuel-tank compartment of boats using gasoline as a fuel.
- Backfire Flame Arrestor for each carburetor of all gasoline engines installed after April 25, 1940.
Items we also recommend bringing
- Anchor with sufficient line/chain (at least five times water depth)
- Bailer (bucket)
- Oars or paddles
- VHF radio
- Extra fuel and water
- Flashlight
- Sun protection
- Adequate supply of prescription medicines and copies of prescriptions
- Camera and film
- Stationery and stamps
- Address book with telephone list
- Reading material
- Spare parts for generator (spark plugs, oil, air filter)
- Emergency items: first-aid kit, heating pad, ice bag and Dramamine for seasickness
- Special pet supplies if traveling with pets
- Extra toilet chemicals and toilet paper if your boat is equipped with a head
- Charts for waters you will be traveling to
- A fog horn or noisemaker
- Cellular phone or radio
- Change of clothing
Below deck
- Close water valves.
- Close windows, hatches and vents.
- Check that cabinet doors and drawers are securely closed.
- Check that no heavy items are stored in overhead cabinets.
- Check that counter tops, range top, table tops and shelves are clear of unsecured items.
- Know the location of the fire extinguisher(s) and test to ensure they are fully charged.
When leaving the dock
- Pull in fenders.
- Securely fasten safety lines.
- Make sure children are wearing their PFDs and adults are either wearing their PFDs or have them someplace where they can be easily reached.
- Confirm everyone is aware of the man-overboard procedure.
- Make sure dinghy is securely tied to the boat.
- Ensure swimming ladders are secured.
- Make sure dock lines are pulled in and are out of the way.
- Things to consider when traveling for longer than a few days
- Avoid carrying a great deal of cash while traveling�use travelers' checks or credit cards.
- Confirm dock reservations well in advance.
- Make a clothing checklist.
- Secure home and valuables before leaving.
- Discontinue appropriate home services, mail, and newspaper delivery.
- Notify neighbors and police of departure and return dates.