Run through this checklist before every passage. For a quick day sail in familiar waters you might do a mental check in five minutes. For a longer passage or an unfamiliar boat, work through it properly — it could save your life.
Safety equipment locations
Before Leaving
- Weather forecast checked (multiple sources, covering the full passage window)
- Tidal heights calculated for departure and arrival
- Tidal streams checked — departure time optimised for fair tide
- Fuel level checked and sufficient for the passage (plus 30% reserve)
- Fresh water tanks topped up
- Provisions and supplies adequate for the crew and duration
- Shore contact informed of passage plan, crew list, and ETA
- Harbour dues paid and marina notified of departure
Engine Checks
- Engine oil level checked (between min and max on dipstick)
- Coolant level checked (header tank or heat exchanger)
- Drive belt tension and condition inspected (no cracks or fraying)
- Raw water strainer clear of debris
- Exhaust water flowing on start-up (visible from transom)
- Gearbox oil level checked
- Fuel filter checked for water contamination (drain if fitted)
- Stern gland — no excessive dripping
- Battery charge level adequate; alternator charging confirmed
Deck Checks
- All hatches and portlights closed and secured
- Guardrails and stanchions secure (give each a firm shake)
- Liferaft properly stowed and within service date
- Lifebuoys accessible with light and drogue attached
- Jackstay lines rigged (for offshore or night passages)
- Sheets, halyards, and control lines in good condition and clear to run
- Anchor ready to deploy at short notice (clear of chain locker)
- Fenders stowed and mooring lines coiled and secured
- Dinghy and outboard secure (if towing, line and painter checked)
Navigation
- Charts available and up to date for the passage area
- GPS/chartplotter powered on and acquiring satellites
- Waypoints entered and route checked against paper chart
- Compass deviation card current and compass readable
- Navigation lights tested (masthead, port, starboard, stern, steaming)
- Radar operational (if fitted)
- AIS transmitting and receiving (if fitted)
- Depth sounder reading and alarm set
- Log/speed reading
- Binoculars accessible in the cockpit
Safety Equipment
- Life jackets for all crew — correct size, serviced, and accessible
- Harnesses and tethers available for each crew member
- Fire extinguishers in date and accessible (engine room, galley, saloon)
- Fire blanket in galley
- Flares in date and stowed in an accessible, dry location
- First aid kit complete and accessible
- Bilge pump(s) operational — both manual and electric
- Seacocks identified and accessible (tools nearby for emergency closure)
- Danbuoy and MOB equipment ready to deploy
- Fog horn accessible
- Torch (waterproof) accessible in cockpit
Communications
- VHF radio operational and set to Ch 16
- DSC MMSI number programmed and GPS connected to VHF
- Handheld VHF charged as backup
- Mobile phone charged (in waterproof case)
- Emergency contact numbers written down (Coastguard, marina, next of kin)
- EPIRB/PLB registered and in date (if carried)
Safety Brief for Crew
- Life jacket location and how to wear them demonstrated
- Fire extinguisher locations and operation explained
- Location of seacocks and how to close them
- MOB procedure: shout, point, throw, press MOB button, call Mayday
- VHF radio: how to make a Mayday call (Ch 16, procedure)
- Gas shut-off valve location
- Through-hull locations and soft wood plugs
- Flare stowage and types explained (red handheld, orange smoke, parachute)
- Location of first aid kit
- Watch system and seasickness medication explained
- Head (toilet) operation and rules
- No-go zones on deck (boom, winches, foredeck in heavy weather)
TIP
Make it yours
Print this checklist and laminate it for the cockpit. Adapt it for your own boat — add vessel-specific items (watermaker, autopilot, solar panel isolation, etc.) and remove anything that does not apply. The best checklist is one you actually use.