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.