Boating Safety
Pre-departure boating checklist
Run through this checklist before you leave the dock. It covers weather, boat, safety gear, communication, and crew.
Why a checklist
A fixed routine catches small skipped items before they matter.
When to run it
Before every trip, even short ones.
How to use it
Go section by section. If an item fails and you cannot fix it, delay the trip.
Weather and conditions
- Check the marine forecast for the full trip window.
- Look for storm warnings and wind trend changes.
- Check tides, currents, and visibility.
Boat and engine
- Inspect hull, fuel, oil, coolant, battery, bilge pump, and navigation lights.
Safety equipment
- Count life jackets, check extinguisher, distress signals, horn, first aid kit, anchor, and rode.
Communication and navigation
- Test VHF, charge phone, confirm charts, and set up offline maps.
Crew and float plan
- Brief crew, file a float plan, agree on check-in time, and explain emergency basics.
Free printable logs
Download these free PDF logs, print them, and keep them aboard or with someone ashore.