THE PRE-UNDERWAY LIST

Play inspector – always give your boat a once over to check for any damage or malfunctions before you leave on your mission.

• Perform a full inspection of the boat and engine
• De-energize, unplug and stow the shore power cord
• Turn the battery switches and circuit breakers to the ON position
• Inflate the tube set as required
• Manually engage the bilge pump and check for any discharge
• Check all the electrical components onboard – including
  • Navigation, search, side ‘take down, ’rear scene’ and deck lights
  • VHF Radio and Tactical Radio
  • Chart Plotter, FLIR Camera , Radar and Depth Sounder
  • Horn & Siren and Loud Hailer

Power up – ensure that your engines are in shape-shape before you get out on the water.

• Lower the engine(s) fully, turn on the ignition and listen to the fuel pumps
• Check your oil and fuel levels and add oil as needed
• Place the engine(s) in neutral and start it / them to check for
  • Cooling water overboard discharge
  • Oil pressure
  • Voltage output
  • Any active engine alarms
• Allow the engine(s) to warm up
• Test the KILL SWITCH and restart the engine(s)
• Check the steering to make sure that it operates freely

Life Safety first – always have this boat safety equipment stowed on your boat in case of an emergency

• A fire extinguisher (that you know how to use) onboard
• Atleast one life Coast Guard-approved life jacket per passenger (and a minimum of two) onboard
• A throwable ring buoy and distress signal kit, stowed safely in a dry location
• A standard First Aid kit, with all its contents within the expiration date
• A basic tool kit and spares appropriate for your boat
• A pair of binoculars
• All the necessary PFDs and EPIRBs for your boat

Weather the elements – don’t let the weather ruin your ride

• Make sure to check the weather forecast before taking to the water
• If bad weather is predicted, ensure that you’re geared for it
• Have a radio on board to get updates
• Dress appropriately for the season

THE POST-UNDERWAY LIST

Anchors aweigh – Once you’ve made sure everything is working as it should be, you’re ready for the water. Here are a few things that you should do as you set out

• Secure all dock lines and equipment brought onboard
• Remove the engines from neutral
• Attach the Kill Switch lanyard to the operator’s PF
• Secure the boat fully in the slip
• Secure the engines and flush them with fresh water at 50% pressure
• Remove all the thrash onboard and clean it with fresh water if necessary
• Secure the circuit breakers and battery switches
• Reconnect and energize the shore power
• Visually confirm that the Battery charger is in working order
• Set the Bilge Pump to AUTO

So there you have it – a few Dos to remember before you head out, so you have the best experience on the water.