Pre Departure Check List

Vessel Name   Official Number or State Registration  
Location   Date/Time  

Hull
Condition and appearance (note and photograph any existing damage)
Locate and operate through hull fitting:
a. Exercise valves
b. Double hose clamps below waterline
c. Note location of each
Seawater, drain and fill hoses: inspect for deterioration, chafing, stains
Location of water fills and vents
Location of fuel fills and vents
Waste system, location of pump-out fitting
Cleanliness of bottom and prop
Condition of prop shaft seal(s) and rudder shaft seal(s):  Check for wear and leakage
Hatches, ports and deck fittings;  Check for leaks and secure

Sails & Rigging
Condition of sails
Condition of running rigging
Condition of standing rigging
Operation of rig
Procedure for reefing; 3rd reef?; storm jib?
Check operation of jib and main furling
Check all winches, deck blocks and sieves for free operation
Check gooseneck filling, mast partners, chocks, boot and mast step
Inventory rigging spares, spare wench handles and ditty bag

Navigation Lights & Shapes
Check all for proper operation (running, steaming, anchor, deck)
Location and quantity of spare lamps
Location of switches & fuses
Location of flashlights
Location of spotlight
Location of anchor ball

Safety
Condition and number of PFD's as per USCG requirements
Location and expiration of appropriate flare kit
Location of 406 EPIRB with built-in GPS
Condition and expire of Liferaft
Location of abandon ship kit
Location and state of charge for handheld VHF
Location and condition of MOB gear
Instructions on dinghy and dinghy motor

Engine, transmission, thrusters
Locate Ignition key
Visual Check
    a.  Engine mounts, alignment and shaft coupling
    b.  Oil level and leaks
    c.  All belts, condition and tension
    d.  Fluid levels
    e.  Electrical wires, clamps, etc.
    f.  Hoses, especially exhaust and gate valve or vented loop
Running Check:
    a.  Seawater exhaust: good flow?
    b. Test transmission in gear at low RPM at the dock (unless impractical or against marina regulations)
    c. Test thruster (s)
    d.  Verify operation of panel gages and lights
Location of engine manual
Location of engine spares
Location and quantity of make-up engine oil
Record fuel consumption @ highest cruising RPM
How to prime and bleed system
Location and condition of muffler(s)
Location of extra coolant
Must have 4 pre-filters (30 micron) and 2 final fuel filters (6-10 micron) aboard

Electrical
Check alternator, belts, connections, voltage regulators, etc.
Check batteries:
    a. Fluid level
    b. Terminals for corrosion and integrity
    c. Battery boxes, secure against any possible movement
Note location of battery isolation switch
Generator: some visual/running inspection
Search light
Night lighting below

Plumbing
Bilge Pumps
    a. Check operation and clean strainers
    b. Inventory spares and rebuild kits
    c. Note possible alternative pumps and make provision for converting
        (Main engine raw water intake, head intake, sump pumps, etc.)
Tanks
    a. Fuel: capacity; tank access plate
    b. Water: capacity;
    c. Top off as required
    d. Check all deck fills and caps
    e. Check system valves to isolate tanks as required
Fresh water pumps and plumbing
    a. Check for water quality, leaks
    b. Inventory spares
    c. Circuit breaker OFF for pressure pump when not in use

Steering
Cable system
    a. Check wheel sprocket and chain
    b. Check cables
    c. Check all sieves, pins and points of attachment
    d .Check rudder post, quadrant and especially keyway
Hydraulic system
    a. Fill reservoir
    b. Check system for leaks
    c. Check steering ram mounts and tiller arm connections

Ground Tackle and Docking
Check windlass controls and operation
Inventory anchors, chains and anchor lines. Record lengths of chain and line.
Inspect lines for chafe, shackles for corrosion and wire which secures  pin, rode attachment to the hull
Docking lines in sufficient quantity, length and size
Fenders in sufficient quantity and size
Boat hook

Tools
Hacksaw
12" crescent wrench
8" crescent wrench
Straight screwdriver
#2 Phillips screwdriver
#1 Phillips screwdriver
Combination wrench set (metric & imperial)
Deep sockets and ratchet wrenches (metric & imperial)
Vice grips (large & small)
Channel locks, diagonal cutting pliers, needle nose pliers
Knife, single edge razor blades, scissors
Pry bar
Hammer
Rigging cutter

Charts & Navigation
Paper Charts for area
Cruising Guides, Coast Pilots, Light lists, Sailing directions
Tides & Current book
Electronic Charts
Plotting tools and pencils
Binoculars

Check depth sounder, chartplotter, radar and autopilot
Clean knot meter sender
Radio check
Check spare GPS

Vessel Paperwork
State registration
Federal documentation
Insurance
Authorization Letter
Cruising permits

Spares
Must have 4 pre-filters (30 micron) and
2 final fuel filters (6-10 micron) aboard
1 fuel filter for generator
Filter wrenches that fits (verify)
Functional priming system (electric pump works best)
2 Main engine oil filters
One bundle of oil absorbent diapers
Cookie sheet 1ft x 2ft 1" lip (for changing filters)
1-gallon can of clean diesel fuel (for priming filters)
Baja fuel filter or Racor Funnel
Water pump assembly
Impellers
Alternator and other belts
Hoses
Hose clamps
Duct tape
Wooden plugs
Fuses
Spare lines
Bosun's chair
Waterproof flashlights with fresh batteries
Spare batteries of proper size in adequate quantities
Circular cotters
Cigarette lighter adapter pigtail
Cigarette lighter adapter 6 feet or longer extension cord
Electrical tape
Assorted nuts, bolts, screws, washers and sheet metal screws

Items for offshore transit
Satellite phone
    (can rent from SatPhoneStore or SatellitePhoneStore)
EPIRB 406 with built-in GPS
   (can rent from BoatUS or SatellitePhoneStore)
Offshore Life Raft of adequate capacity (must be properly serviced)
Jack lines (full length of boat)