Pre-Departure Checklist
Take a few minutes to make sure you are ready to boat safely before you leave. This will reduce risk when you are out on the water. More than half of all calls for help are from boaters in trouble because of motor problems, including running out of fuel!
Operating a boat that you know is not seaworthy is against the law. You must keep your boat, its engine and all equipment in good working order. Whether you own, rent or borrow a boat, use a Pre-Departure Checklist to make sure you are ready before leaving.
Explain safe boating rules to everyone on board before heading out. Tell your guests where you keep the safety equipment and how to use it. Make sure that at least one other person on board knows how to operate the boat in case something happens to you.
Download the Weather to Boat App for user-friendly pre-departure checklists.
Download PDFs of our Pre-Departure Checklist and Float Plans using the links below.
