Spring Boating Safety Checklist

Preseason Preparation

• Current registration/documentation papers (including boat trailer) and numbers/decals affixed as required. If you fish, fishing license and fishing gear aboard?

• Review federal, state, and local boating laws and navigation rules

• Take your state's boating safety course, if required. BoatUS Foundation's free online course meets requirements in 36 states

• Join or renew your BoatUS towing membership

• Download the free BoatUS App to check local weather and tides, and for fastest way to call a tow

• Maintain boat and systems per manufacturer recommendations and your visual inspection

• Check expiration dates and condition of fire extinguishers and pyrotechnic flares

• Program your VHF/DSC radio (Request a free MMSI number)

• Take a course to brush up boat-handling skills

• Schedule a courtesy vessel safety check

Before Departure

• Check weather forecasts, tides, currents

• File a float plan with a trusted contact ashore

• Follow safe fueling practices; make sure blower fans are in working order

• Check operation of bilge pump, auto switch, alarms

• Ensure you have appropriate-size life jackets in good repair, and that children wear them. Need a child-sized life jacket? Find a loaner site

• Brief crew on locations and operation of safety equipment including: life jackets, life sling, or throwable flotation; sound-producing device; flares/visual distress signals; fire extinguishers; and a spare engine cutoff lanyard, if equipped.

• Turn on VHF radio. Show passengers how to select Ch. 16, how to use mic, and when/how to transmit a Mayday. Brief on how/when to use and not use the DSC feature if you have it; ensure the MMSI is programmed in

• Check operation of navigation/running lights

• Ensure that one anchor and rode is ready for immediate use

• Before starting a gasoline inboard engine, run blower for at least 4 minutes

• Attach engine shutoff switch lanyard or device, if fitted

On The Water

• Departing the harbor, store a "go home" waypoint on the GPS, if equipped

• Know the waters you're navigating. Refer to local charts, stay within marked channels, be aware of tides, currents, and areas such as inlets with challenging seas

• Avoid distracted driving, scan the horizon continually for other boats' movements

• Be weather-aware (watch for wind/cloud changes, monitor weather channels)

• While underway, no passengers on the bow, gunwales, or transom

• Monitor fuel consumption and remaining range. Use the "Three-Thirds" rule: one-third outbound, one-third inbound, one-third reserve

• Designate a lookout if engaging in watersports activities

• Engines OFF if people are swimming

• Be aware of dangerous CO gasses from engines and/or generators

• Drink plenty of water; wear sunscreen; don't boat under the influence