Source: americanboating.org & DiscoverBoating.com via BoatSafe.com

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

• As part of your pre-departure inspection of PFDs check for wear or abrasion, weak or torn seams, secure straps and buckles. Some types of PFDs are equipped with inflation devices; check to be sure cartridges are secure and charged.

Fire Extinguishers

• Do you have all required quantities and types of fire extinguishers?
• Have they been checked within the past year?
• Are serviceable units tagged by a licensed facility?
• Are units accessible?
• Is at least one accessible from the helm or cockpit?
• Are you and your crew familiar with their operation?

Fuel System

• Is the system properly grounded at the filter, tank, deck, pump, etc.?
• Is the fuel tank free from rust or contamination?
• No leaks from tank, hose or fittings.
• Hoses U.S.C.G. approved and free of cracking or stiffness with adequate slack to account for vibration.
• Is tank secured?
• Fuel shut-off valve on tank and at engine.
• Engine compartment and engine clean and free of oily rags or flammable materials.
• Blower switch at remote location.
• Is your fuel system protected from siphoning?

Safety Equipment

• Lifelines or rails in good condition.
• Stanchions or pulpit securely mounted.
• Hardware tight and sealed at deck.
• Grab rails secure and free of corrosion or snags that may catch your hands.
• Non-skid surfaces free from accumulated dirt or excess wear.

Ground Tackle

• At least two anchors on board.
• Anchor and rode adequate for your boat and bottom conditions.
• Tackle properly secured.
• Length of chain at anchor.
• Thimble on rode and safety wired shackles.
• Chafing gear at chocks for extended stays or storm conditions.
• Anchor stowed for quick accessibility.

Stoves

• Labeled and designated for marine use.
• Properly ventilated to remove carbon-monoxide from cabin.
• Retainers or rails for pots and pans while underway.
• If built-in, properly insulated and free from combustible materials, CNG and LPG (propane).
• Stored in separate compartment from boat’s interior and engine room.
• Tightly secured shut-off valve at tank.
• Proper labeling and cautions in place at tank location.
• Hoses, lines and fittings of approved and inspected type.
• Compartment is ventilated overboard and below level of tank base.

Electrical System

• Wiring approved for marine applications.
• System is neatly bundled and secured.
• Protected against chafing and strain.
• Adequate flex between bulkhead and engine connections.
• Clear of exhaust system and bilge.
• System is protected by circuit breakers or fuses.
• Grounds to Zincs if required.
• Wire terminals and connections sealed to prevent corrosion.

Bilge Pumps

• Will pump(s) adequately remove water in emergency? Do you have a manual backup? Are bilges clean and free to circulate (clear limber holes)? Do you check bilges frequently and not rely on automatic pumps?

Corrosion Prevention

• Through-hulls, props, shafts, bearings, rudder fittings, and exposed fastenings free of non-destructive corrosion.
  
  Zincs are adequate to provide protection.
  
  Through-hulls are properly bonded.
  
  Inspect the steering cables, engine control linkage and cables, engine mounts and gear case for corrosion.
• These items are properly lubricated or painted to prevent undue corrosion.

Through-hulls

• Strainers, intakes and exhaust or discharge fittings are free from restrictions such as barnacles, marine growth or debris.
• Inspect sea valves for smooth operation.
• Handles are attached to valves for quick closure.
  
  Hoses are in good condition and free from cracking.
• Double hose-clamps below the waterline.
• Anti-siphon valve fitted to marine toilet.
• Through-hull plugs are near fittings or attached to hose in case of emergency.

Batteries

• Stored in non-corrosive, liquid tight, ventilated containers.
• Non-conductive covers are fitted over posts.
• Batteries are well secured.