Offshore - Secure for Sea

Offshore Sailing - Secure For Sea

Use this checklist as you make your final preparations of the boat and crew to put to sea. This checklist is generally used the last 1/2 to 1 day before departure.

Note: all items on the offshore maintenance and sea trial checklists should have been completed before departure. This list is for last-minute pre-departure items.

Secure the Boat for Offshore Sailing

	Item	Link to Detail
Abandon Ship Gear
	Make sure that the ditch bag, emergency water, flares, GPIRB and life raft are all easily accessible and are not buried under other equipment.
	Make sure that the life raft is unlocked in its cradle and is ready for immediate use.
Anchoring Gear
	Lash down anchors with double lines.
	Pull any chain in excess of 120' back into the bilge to keep weight centered in the boat.
Communication
	SSB radio check - transmit and receive
	VHF radio check - transmit and receive
Crew Safety
	Rig jackline in cockpit
	Rig jacklines on deck
	Get out PFD/harness and tethers. Assign to each crew member.
Dewatering
	Make sure that the emergency manual pump and hoses are readily accessible.
MOB Gear
	Make sure that the MOB pole and gear are ready for immediate deployment on either tack.
On Deck
	Clear any clutter off the deck. Securely lash down all items stowed on deck.
	Put duct tape over deck fills to prevent intrusion of sea water
	Tape over hawse holes for anchor rodes
	Secure dorade scoops from getting snagged by sheets.
Outboard Motor and Related Items
	Don't leave with an empty ding motor gas tank. Bring sufficient gas to get from anchorage to customs
	Stow dinghy motor on rail and lash securely.
Paperwork / Foreign Ports / Return to US
	Exit papers from current port have been obtained - and passports have been stamped
Weather
	Check in with Herb Hilgenberg on SSB 12.359 Mhz at 1945 hours UTC.
	Check and print the latest weather forecast. Remember to get forecasts for where you expect to BE in 24, 48 and 72 hours, not just the local forecast for your current location.

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