By
Diane Riggan
U.S.
Coast Guard Auxiliary public affairs
Aug.
14, 2012 -- Keeping track of appointments or events has become more complex in
a very over scheduled world. A list of reminders added to the calendar on the
refrigerator or in the smartphone can help make sure nothing is forgotten. When
it comes to leisure time, a checklist is still valuable especially when heading
out onto the water.
Create
a pre-underway checklist like the Coast Guard Auxiliary has for their boat
crews. Each time before an Auxiliary boat leaves the dock, the entire crew
reviews a standardized checklist together. Once all the items on the list are
checked off, it is time to get underway.
It does
not have to be complicated; this is just an example of a pre-underway checklist
you could use:
Crew members review checklist. |
- Driver's license
- Current registration papers and boating safety course completion card
- Check fuel supply and oil level
- Working proper navigation lights for night operations
- Enough lifejackets, the right size for all
- Marine radio
- GPS
- Float plan left in your vehicle or with a friend
- Other emergency equipment such as flares, first aid kit, signaling devices and tools
PHOTO: David Elliot, USCG Auxiliary Assistant National Commodore for Response and Prevention, reviews pre-underway checklist with crew member Wayne Johnson before getting underway. Photo by Diane Riggan.