Passage Preparation Checklist

Active Checklist

This is run through before any significant passage. Significant, you ask? If it feels like it, it is.

This is printed out, laminated, and is in a clipboard with an erasable pen on the boat. I carry it around ticking things off.

Turn on anchor winch electrics
Prep anchor locations and lines
Test anchor winch
Inspect forestay
Inspect furler / foresail
Inspect jib sheets
Inspect mast standing rigging
Prepare boom bag / lazy jacks
Prepare mainsail
Check main halyard shackle
Inspect sail slugs
Inspect gooseneck fittings
Inspect mainsail running rigging
Prepare spinaker
Stow cockpit winch handles
Secure dinghy on davits
Check jacklines
Flags and decorations
Navigation lights
Check diesel level
Check fuel filter windows
Check starter battery charge
Switch starter battery to engine
Each engine:
-  Empty engine raw water sieve
-  Open engine raw water sea cock
-  Check engine oil level / colour
-  Engine visual
-  Check coolant level
-  Check belt tension
Check bilge water level
Check float switch operation
Secure movables in cabins
Close hatches and portlights
Turn on VHF
Power instrument pod up
Check sounder depth is reasonable
Check plotter has position
Turn on autopilot
Binoculars
Grab bag ready
Cat litter / water / food
People food / drink
Final weather check
Check passage plan ready for execution
Decide exit strategy
Prepare mooring lines
Prepare fenders
Start engine
Check water in exhaust

Aside: Some people have suggested that this is overkill. Perhaps, but it does make me feel that I have had a good look over the boat and anything really dangerous should have been picked up. It probably comes down to what makes you feel comfortable. I may not check every point in detail but at least the checklist makes sure nothing gets forgotten. I have never regretted running this.

Record[
Section: Reference
Title: Passage Preparation Checklist
Date: 17-APR-2017
URL: http://cat-play-boat.blogspot.com/2017/04/passage-preparation-checklist.html
]
Tags[ reference, checklist
]