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Learn the Sea
Pre-departure checks
learnthesea.com
Run through this before every departure. Tick as you go; anything unticked is a question to answer before you leave the berth.
Boat & deck
- Hull & rig visual
- Seacocks as required
- Bilges dry, pumps work
- Mooring lines & fenders ready
- Anchor ready to let go
- Steering & rudder free
Engine (see W.O.B.B.L.E.)
- Coolant & raw-water strainer
- Oil level & colour
- Belts & bilge
- Fuel sufficient + reserve
- Starts & charges
- Water at exhaust
Safety
- Lifejackets & harnesses
- Flares in date
- Fire extinguishers
- First-aid & grab-bag
- VHF radio check
- Liferaft (if carried) & danbuoy
Navigation
- Passage plan done & briefed
- Charts & almanac aboard
- GPS / plotter on & checked
- Compass & log working
- Tides & weather checked
- Nav lights work