Nadagato's Offshore Departure Checklist

Day(s) Before Departure

Consumables:

____Fuel supply, Measure lines from top of tank ____________
____Water supply, Fill all tanks
____Drinking water tank filter
____LP gas supply
____Battery charge
____Holding Tank
____Equalize Batteries
____Bottom Cleaning

Generator:

____Inspect oil level
____Inspect generator coolant level
____Inspect alternator belt tension
____Inspect fuel filter
____Inspect water filter
____Inspect impeller, locate spare

Engine:

____Inspect oil level
____Inspect engine coolant level
____Inspect alternator, and refrigeration belt tension
____Inspect fuel filter
____Inspect water filter
____Inspect transmission fluid
____Inspect impeller, locate spare

Navigation:

____Obtain long range weather forecast, understand the implications to wind and sea
____Check and record barometer reading
____Checkout clearance with customs, harbormaster, immigration
____File float plans with family and coast guard
____Layout course on navigational charts
____Enter waypoints on GPS and Chart plotter
____Set watch schedule
____Agree on log entry process and procedures
____Check tide tables and set departure time

Safety:

____Check life raft tie downs
____Rig jacklines
____Check emergency / abandon ship bag preparation and location, access and securedness
____Test EPIRB
____Place all deck equipment in dodger protected area
____Check life jacket locations
____Fit leecloths and leeboards
____Review storm prep checklist. Store gear where is can be easily accessed.
____Rig preventer

Other:

____Wipe all hatch rubbers
____Clean speedo transducer/ through-hull
____Check bilge pump and pump float
____Check manual bilge pump
____Secure dinghy on davits
____Lash anchor down
____Clean bilge pump strainers
____Review spares locations
____Review meals to be prepared for crossing, adjustments for stormy weather
____Check steering cable tension and lube

NIGHT(s) BEFORE DEPARTURE

____Test all lights:
____Running lights
____Mast Tri Color lights
____Anchor lights
____Compass light
____Spreader lights
____Lights on gages (depthsounder, knotlog, windvane, engine temp, rpm, )
____Cabin lights
____Map lights
____Flashlights, check batteries
____Stobe light
____Spotlight/searchlight
____Secure BBQ lid, gas, and drip tray
____Secure heavy mooring lines on deck or store
____Check that gas compartment is locked and closed
____Check that liquid compartment is locked and closed
____Check the 3 aft compartments are locked and closed (put lock on trunk)
____Stow Gangway

MORNING OF DEPARTURE

____Take garbage ashore
____Obtain weather forecast
____Check and record barometer

Sails:

____Head Sail and Staysail, sheets run, halyard properly secured
____Main halyard connected, and sail ready to hoist
____Sail inventory prepared and ready as required

Engine:

____Review engine check list again

Boat interior:

____All loose gear stowed, and secured. Start in forepeak and work aft
____All loose kitchen utensils, glassware, pans secured
____Cabinet doors closed and locked
____Bookcase secured with positive prevention
____Drawers locked
____Floorboards locked
____Stove and oven gimbals locked
____Vents and hatched closed and locked
____Close through hull valves to sinks and toilet on forward head
____Inspect chain locker, secure chain and anchor
____ Secure spare anchor and chain

Safety Equipment:

____Foul weather gear ready with whistle, knife, strobe
____Safety harnesses ready
____Flashlights at the ready
____Life vests readily available
____Check knot on Life Sling
____Man-overboard equipment in place
____Bucket and cover for seasickness
____Install safety harness on stove