The Trip I Almost Didn't Come Back From
It was a beautiful Saturday morning, the kind that makes you forget the sea can be cruel. I'd checked the weather, fueled the boat, and loaded the cooler. What I hadn't checked was my flare kit. It had expired two years earlier, and I didn't know until I needed it. That afternoon, a sudden squall caught me off guard, and when I tried to signal a passing boat, the flares sputtered and died. I made it back on my own, but my hands shook for an hour. That was the day I stopped treating safety checks as a formality and started treating them as a ritual.
Since then, I've used the same fifteen-point checklist before every single trip—whether I'm crossing an ocean or just motoring across the bay. This isn't a list of vague suggestions. Each item is there because I've learned, sometimes the hard way, what happens when you skip it. Print this out, laminate it, and keep it on your boat. Better yet, make it part of your routine. A checklist is only useful if you use it.
Why You Should Trust Me
I'm Elena Rodriguez. I've crossed the Atlantic alone on a 1978 sailboat I rebuilt myself, and I've spent years as a marine electrician. I've also made almost every mistake a boater can make—including the one where I assumed my flares were fine because they were still in the plastic wrapper. I don't sell safety gear, and I don't take money from manufacturers. Some of the links in this guide pay me a commission if you buy through them, but that doesn't change what I recommend. In the middle of the ocean, there's no Amazon—so I only tell you what I'd trust with my own life.
If that filtered list is empty, try this unfiltered search. And for budget alternatives, check DHgate—prices are lower, but shipping takes longer and quality varies.
The 15-Point Pre-Departure Checklist
I've organized this into four groups: things that keep you afloat, things that help you call for help, things that keep you found, and things that keep the boat running. For each item, I explain why it matters—because checking a box without understanding the reason is how things get missed.
Group 1: Keep You Afloat
- Life jackets (PFDs) for every person on board. Not just any life jacket—one that fits properly and is in good condition. Check for rips, faded fabric, and broken buckles. A life jacket that's uncomfortable or damaged won't be worn when it matters. If you have inflatable PFDs, verify the CO2 cylinder is charged and the firing mechanism is clean.
- Throwable flotation device. A cushion or ring that you can toss to someone in the water. It's required by law on most boats, and it's the fastest way to help a person overboard while you turn the boat around.
- Bilge pump and manual bailer. Make sure the bilge pump runs and the float switch works. A manual bailer is your backup if the pump fails. Water in the bilge is normal, but a pump that can't keep up is a crisis.
- Hull and through-hull fittings. Look for cracks, loose fittings, or signs of water intrusion. A failed through-hull can sink a boat faster than you'd believe. If you see anything questionable, fix it before you leave.
Group 2: Call for Help
- VHF radio with DSC, fully charged or connected. Do a radio check before you leave the dock. If you have a handheld, make sure it's charged and the antenna is connected. A dead radio is worse than no radio, because it gives you false confidence.
- Flares and visual distress signals. Check the expiration dates. Flares expire, and expired flares are unreliable. Store them in a dry, accessible place—not buried under a pile of gear. A signal mirror and whistle never expire, so carry them too.
- Fire extinguisher. Check the gauge is in the green, and make sure it's mounted where you can reach it from the helm. A fire at sea is terrifying, and a working extinguisher can be the difference between a scare and a total loss.
- First aid kit, stocked and waterproof. You don't need a hospital, but you do need bandages, antiseptic, seasickness medication, and a few basics. Check expiration dates on any medications. I've also added a tourniquet to my offshore kit—it's not overkill if you're far from help.
Group 3: Keep You Found
- Navigation lights, working and visible. Test them even if you don't plan to be out after dark. Weather can delay your return, and running lights are not optional. Carry spare bulbs if you can.
- GPS/chartplotter with a current fix. Make sure the unit locks onto satellites before you cast off. If you have a backup GPS or a phone with offline charts, charge it and keep it in a waterproof case.
- Compass and paper chart. Electronics fail. A basic compass and a paper chart of your area are cheap insurance. You don't need to be a navigator, but you should know which way is home.
- Anchor and rode, ready to deploy. The anchor is your emergency brake. Make sure it's properly attached, the chain is not tangled, and the rode is in good condition. I've had to drop anchor in a hurry more than once, and a tangled rode will ruin your day.
Group 4: Keep the Boat Running
- Fuel level and fuel system. Check the tank, and if you have a portable tank, make sure it's strapped down and the vent is open. I also check for fuel leaks and the condition of the fuel lines. A small leak can become a fire.
- Engine oil and coolant. Check the oil level, the coolant, and the belts. A quick visual once-over can catch a failing belt or a loose hose before it strands you.
- Battery and electrical system. Turn on the key and check that the engine cranks strong. Check that the alternator is charging (your voltmeter should read around 13.5-14.5 volts when running). If you have a battery switch, make sure it's set correctly.
This checklist takes less than ten minutes once it becomes habit. The first few times, you'll feel like you're overdoing it. Then one day you'll catch a loose hose or a dead flare, and you'll understand.
Red Flags: When to Stay at the Dock
Sometimes the smartest safety decision is to not go out at all. Here are the red flags I never ignore:
- Any fuel smell or visible fuel leak. That's a fire waiting to happen.
- A bilge pump that doesn't run, or a float switch that's stuck. If you can't get water out, you can't stay afloat.
- Expired or missing flares and a dead radio. If you can't call for help, you shouldn't be out there.
- Weather that's beyond your skill or your boat's capability. There's no shame in staying home. The sea will be there tomorrow.
If you're still learning, start with shorter trips in good weather. Build your confidence gradually. And always, always tell someone on shore where you're going and when you'll be back.
Who Should NOT Skip This Checklist
I'll be blunt: no one should skip this checklist. But if you only operate a small boat on a tiny lake within sight of your house, some items (like offshore flares or a compass) may be less critical. Still, the core checks—life jackets, bilge pump, fuel, and engine—apply to every boat, every trip. If you think you're too experienced for a checklist, that's exactly when you're most likely to miss something. I've seen old salts make the dumbest mistakes because they "knew it all." Don't be that person.
Related Reading on Boat World
Now that you have your checklist, you might want to upgrade the gear you're checking. I've written detailed guides to help you make informed choices.
For an in-depth review of the best life jackets and other safety essentials, read my best boat safety equipment guide. And if your VHF radio needs replacing, check out my best marine VHF radio review—I tested five popular models for range, clarity, and battery life. Both articles include links to the exact products I'd recommend, with the same filters I use when buying for my own boat.
This is the unglamorous part of boating, but it's the part that keeps you coming home. Take the ten minutes. Do the checks. And then go enjoy the water with the confidence that you're prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a pre-departure safety check take?
Once you know what you're looking for, it takes less than ten minutes. The key is to have a printed list so you don't have to think about what to check. After a few trips, it becomes second nature.
What is the most commonly forgotten safety item?
Expired flares. They look fine from the outside, but they degrade over time. Check the expiration date printed on each flare, and replace them every three years or as required. A signal mirror and whistle never expire, so carry them as backup.
Do I need a checklist if I have a small boat?
Yes, but you can simplify it. For a small boat, the essential checks are: life jackets, engine, fuel, and a way to call for help (phone in a waterproof case or a handheld VHF). The principle is the same: know your gear works before you need it.
What should I do if I find a problem during the checklist?
Don't go out. Fix the problem first, or postpone your trip. I've cancelled more trips than I can count because of a faulty bilge pump or a dead battery. It's frustrating, but it's far better than being stuck out there.
How often should I update my safety equipment?
Check expiration dates monthly and before any long trip. Replace flares every 3 years, fire extinguishers every 10 years or after any discharge, and life jackets when they show signs of wear. Your safety gear is only as good as its condition.
Written July 2026. Safety regulations and equipment standards change, but the principle of checking before you go doesn't. Always verify current requirements for your area.