“Prevention is better than cure” applies 100% at sea. Many problems out on the water could have been avoided with a 5-minute check before leaving the berth. ✅ Here is a list of the crucial points every skipper should check before casting off. Don’t leave without it! ⚓
The engine and fluid levels (the heart of the boat)
- Check the oil level and, above all, the fuel level.
- Make sure the cooling water intake is open.
- Check that the engine starts without trouble and that water comes out of the exhaust (a sign it is cooling).
Safety and communications
- VHF radio: check that it switches on, and listen to channel 16.
- Equipment: check the expiry date of the flares and that there are enough lifejackets for everyone.
- Battery: the voltage should be correct.
Paperwork and crew
- Bring your boating licence, the certificate of seaworthiness and the insurance.
- Briefing: tell the crew (especially if they are new to it) where the lifejackets are, where the fire extinguisher is and how to use the marine toilet.
The weather
Check the weather forecast and the state of the sea. If you are not sure, don’t go!
Learn the list!
The safety check is a key module of the PER. Learn the compulsory list of equipment you must carry! 📋 See the PER syllabus