BoatUS Professional Captains

Professional Captain’s Delivery Checklist

Hull

Condition and appearance (note and photograph any         existing damage)
Location of all thru-hulls
Location of water fills and vents
Location of fuel fills and vents
Location of waste system fittings (yes, people fill holding         tanks with diesel sometimes)
Inspect steering system cables and quadrant or        hydraulics and check operation lock to lock.
Check for and document hatch and portlight leaks
Check bilge for standing water. (Remember, pumping         oily discharge can get YOU in trouble.)
Make sure anchor is secure and can’t get away in rough         seas

Navigation Lights & Other Requirements

Check all for proper operation
Locate spare lamps
Locate switches & fuses
Locate flashlights
Locate spotlight
Locate horn for sound signals
Locate courtesy flags, quarantine flag and ship’s flag

Bell, for vessels over 39.4 feet

Safety

Check condition and number of PFD’s
Location and expiration of flare kit
Location of EPIRB
Condition and expiration of liferaft
Location of abandon ship kit
Location and state of charge for handheld VHF
Location and condition of MOB gear

Locate or bring binoculars

Vessel Paperwork

Check that state registration is properly displayed
Locate federal documentation
Locate copy of insurance policy
Locate copy of towing policy and verify you are covered on         that vessel
Locate authorization letter from owner
Locate cruising permits
Locate ship’s log
Locate MARPOL visible trash placard for vessels 26 feet         and over.
Boats 40 feet and over must also have a written trash         disposal plan available onboard.
Check installation of radar reflector
Check for approved fire extinguishers in working order
Check for safety harnesses
Check for boarding ladder
Check operation of all VHF’s
Locate wooden plugs for thru-hull fittings
Locate first aid kit
Locate emergency underwater epoxy
Test CO, smoke, and vapor alarms
Check bilge pump operation using bilge pump float                 switch

Sail & Rigging

Check condition of sails
Check condition of running rigging including turnbuckles and cotter pins.
Check condition of standing rigging
Check operation of rig
Check procedure for reefing
Check for chafe in furling line
Locate spare winch handles

Engine & Electrical

Engine overall condition
Location of engine manual
Location of engine spares
Location and quantity of engine oil
Know how to prime and bleed system
Location of extra coolant
Location of tool kit
Verify operation of panel
Locate spare fuses
Check gauges for operation
Check oil and transmission fluid level
Check power steering fluid and coolant level
Check engine room hose clamps and hoses for leaks
Look for obvious chafed wires and hoses
Check stuffing box for leaking at rest and underway.
Check rudder stuffing boxes for leaks
Check all seacocks for leaks and verify they can be closed.
Check seawater intake strainer and clean if necessary
Verify operation of bilge blower for gas engines
Verify fuel tank sender is operating and accurate
Check tightness and condition of all belts
Check electrolyte level in batteries
Check operation of trim tabs, if equipped

Charts & Navigation

Locate charts for area
Locate tides & current book
Locate electronic charts
Locate plotting tools and pencils
Check sounder, GPS, and radar operation
Locate or bring spare GPS
Locate Chart # 1 for vessels over 39.4 feet
Locate or bring hand held VHF
Locate ship station radio license if needed (vessels over 65 feet, and any vessels that use INMARSAT or SSB, or any vessels that will be transmitting outside US waters)
Passport, if needed

Miscellaneous

Camera
Hat & sunglasses
Garbage bags
Waterproof matches & lighters
Adequate stove fuel
Check fresh water tank for potability
Check for legality and operation of head.
Locate key for deck fills

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