In addition to your pre-departure
inspection of PFDs check for wear or abrasion, weak or torn
seams, secure straps and buckles. Some types of PFDs are equipped
with inflation devices; check to be sure cartridges are secure
and charged.
Fire Extinguishers
Do you have all required
quantities and types of fire extinguishers?
Have they been checked
within the past year?
Are serviceable units
tagged by a licensed facility?
Are units accessible?
Is at least one accessible
from the helm or cockpit?
Are you and your crew
familiar with their operation?
Fuel System
Is the system properly
grounded at the filter, tank, deck, pump, etc.?
Is the fuel tank free
from rust or contamination?
No leaks from tank, hose
or fittings.
Hoses U.S.C.G. approved
and free of cracking or stiffness with adequate slack to account
for vibration.
Is tank secured?
Fuel shut-off valve on
tank and at engine.
Engine compartment and
engine clean and free of oily rags or flammable materials.
Blower switch at remote
location.
Is your fuel system protected
from siphoning?
Safety Equipment
Lifelines or rails in
good condition.
Stanchions or pulpit
securely mounted.
Hardware tight and sealed
at deck.
Grab rails secure and
free of corrosion or snags that may catch your hands.
Non-skid surfaces free
from accumulated dirt or excess wear.
Ground Tackle
At least two anchors
on board.
Anchor and rode adequate
for your boat and bottom conditions.
Tackle properly secured.
Length of chain at anchor.
Thimble on rode and safety
wired shackles.
Chafing gear at chocks
for extended stays or storm conditions.
Anchor stowed for quick
accessibility.
Stoves
Labeled and designated
for marine use.
Properly ventilated to
remove carbon-monoxide from cabin.
Retainers or rails for
pots and pans while underway.
If built-in, properly
insulated and free from combustible materials, CNG and LPG (propane).
Stored in separate compartment
from vessel's interior and engine room.
Tightly secured shut-off
valve at tank.
Proper labeling and cautions
in place at tank location.
Hoses, lines and fittings
of approved and inspected type.
Compartment is ventilated
overboard and below level of tank base.
Electrical System
Wiring approved for marine
applications.
Is system neatly bundled
and secured.
Protected against chafing
and strain.
Adequate flex between
bulkhead and engine connections.
Clear of exhaust system
and bilge.
System is protected by
circuit breakers or fuses.
Grounds to Zincs if required.
Wire terminals and connections
sealed to prevent corrosion.
Bilge Pumps
Will pump(s) adequately
remove water in emergency? Do you have a manual backup? Are
bilges clean and free to circulate (clear limber holes)? Do
you check bilges frequently and not rely on automatic pumps?
Corrosion Prevention
Through-hulls, props,
shafts, bearings, rudder fittings, and exposed fastenings free
of non-destructive corrosion.
Zincs are adequate to
provide protection.
Through-hulls are properly
bonded.
Inspect the steering
cables, engine control linkage and cables, engine mounts and
gear case for corrosion.
These items are properly
lubricated or painted to prevent undue corrosion.
Through-hulls
Strainers, intakes and
exhaust or discharge fittings are free from restrictions such
as barnacles, marine growth or debris.
Inspect sea valves for
smooth operation.
Handles are attached
to valves for quick closure.
Hoses are in good condition
and free from cracking.
Double hose-clamps below
the waterline.
Anti-siphon valve fitted
to marine toilet.
Through-hull plugs are
near fittings or attached to hose in case of emergency.
Batteries
Stored in non-corrosive,
liquid tight, ventilated containers.