Semi-Annual Safety Checklist Maintenance
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
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Do you have all required quantities and types of fire extinguishers?
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Have they been checked within the past year?
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Are serviceable units tagged by a licensed facility?
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Are units accessible?
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Is at least one accessible from the helm or cockpit?
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Are you and your crew familiar with their operation?
Fuel System
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Is the system properly grounded at the filter, tank, deck, pump, etc.?
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Is the fuel tank free from rust or contamination?
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No leaks from tank, hose or fittings.
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Hoses U.S.C.G. approved and free of cracking or stiffness with adequate slack to account for vibration.
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Is tank secured?
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Fuel shut-off valve on tank and at engine.
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Engine compartment and engine clean and free of oily rags or flammable materials.
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Blower switch at remote location.
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Is your fuel system protected from siphoning?
Safety Equipment
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Lifelines or rails in good condition.
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Stanchions or pulpit securely mounted.
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Hardware tight and sealed at deck.
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Grab rails secure and free of corrosion or snags that may catch your hands.
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Non-skid surfaces free from accumulated dirt or excess wear.
Ground Tackle
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At least two anchors on board.
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Anchor and rode adequate for your boat and bottom conditions.
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Tackle properly secured.
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Length of chain at anchor.
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Thimble on rode and safety wired shackles.
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Chafing gear at chocks for extended stays or storm conditions.
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Anchor stowed for quick accessibility.
Stoves
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Labeled and designated for marine use.
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Properly ventilated to remove carbon-monoxide from cabin.
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Retainers or rails for pots and pans while underway.
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If built-in, properly insulated and free from combustible materials, CNG and LPG (propane).
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Stored in separate compartment from boat's interior and engine room.
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Tightly secured shut-off valve at tank.
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Proper labeling and cautions in place at tank location.
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Hoses, lines and fittings of approved and inspected type.
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Compartment is ventilated overboard and below level of tank base.
Electrical System
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Wiring approved for marine applications.
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System is neatly bundled and secured.
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Protected against chafing and strain.
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Adequate flex between bulkhead and engine connections.
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Clear of exhaust system and bilge.
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System is protected by circuit breakers or fuses.
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Grounds to Zincs if required.
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Wire terminals and connections sealed to prevent corrosion.
Bilge Pumps
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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
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Through-hulls, props, shafts, bearings, rudder fittings, and exposed fastenings free of non-destructive corrosion.
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Zincs are adequate to provide protection.
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Through-hulls are properly bonded.
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Inspect the steering cables, engine control linkage and cables, engine mounts and gear case for corrosion.
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These items are properly lubricated or painted to prevent undue corrosion.
Through-hulls
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Strainers, intakes and exhaust or discharge fittings are free from restrictions such as barnacles, marine growth or debris.
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Inspect sea valves for smooth operation.
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Handles are attached to valves for quick closure.
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Hoses are in good condition and free from cracking.
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Double hose-clamps below the waterline.
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Anti-siphon valve fitted to marine toilet.
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Through-hull plugs are near fittings or attached to hose in case of emergency.
Batteries
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Stored in non-corrosive, liquid tight, ventilated containers.
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Non-conductive covers are fitted over posts.
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Batteries are well secured.
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Clean by disconnecting terminals and remove corrosion with a wire brush.