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pre-departure checklist
- Personal Flotation
Devices (PFDs)
- At least one Coast Guard
approved device per passenger and a minimum of two on board.
- An additional throwable device
is required if the vessel is more than 16 feet long.
- Explain the location and use of
all PFDs to passengers and crew that may be new to the vessel.
- Sound Producing
Devices (Whistle)
- Must have a horn capable of
producing a four-second blast audible for at least 1/2 mile.
- If a portable air horn, have a
spare can of air or an alternate device.
- Lights and Shapes
- All navigation lights as
required.
- Instrumental lights working.
- If you intend to engage in an
activity that requires a day shape, have the required shapes.
- Flashlight on-board.
- Distress Signals
- Accessible flares, day signals,
etc., stored in a dry location.
- Carry signals at all times even
if not required by the Coast Guard.
- Inform the crew and passengers
of their location and their use.
- Tools and Spares
- Basic tool box on-board.
- Box of spares aboard, e.g.,
fuel filter, light bulbs, head parts, through hull plugs, etc.
- Ventilation
- On any powered vessel or
auxiliary powered sailboat, or vessels using LPG for cooking or heat,
check that all interior spaces are well ventilated before departure.
- If fuel smells are detected
before ventilating, check after running the blowers for several minutes
before starting.
- If odour persists, stop and
look for the source of the leak.
- Fire Extinguishers
- Accessible fire extinguisher.
Do you have at least those required by your coast guard authority.?
- Check to be sure mounts are
secure and functional before departure.
- Take the time to point out
locations to passengers and crew.
- Fuel and Oil
- Are your tanks topped-off?
- If not, have enough fuel to
provide a reasonable margin of safety for your return.
- Check the engine oil and
coolant level.
- Bilges
- Check to be sure bilges are
reasonably dry and that pumps are not running excessively.
- Clean up any spilled oil or
waste in bilges so as to prevent overboard discharge.
- Battery Care
- If you have a duel charging
system, is the selector switch in the proper position?
- Is the power on to the entire
vessel?
- Spare batteries for accessories
such as a handheld radio, flashlight, portable navigational aid, etc.
- If they are rechargeable, are
they charged?
- Weather Forecast
- Did you check the weather
forecast?
- Radio on board to receive
weather updates.
- Docking and Anchoring
- At least one anchor set up and
bent-on to your anchor line.
- Two or three extra dock lines
in case of unusual conditions dockside.
- Visually inspect the lines you
use for chafe or wear.
- At least two fenders on-board
for docking or towing if required.
- Documentation
- Have the ship's papers, radio
license, etc. on board.
- Have the chart or charts for
the area you intend to cruise in, regardless of your level of local
knowledge.
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