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Before Starting the Engine
• Determine if the trip can be safely made by checking the weather.
• Are all the proper boat and personal documents on board?
• Check operational equipment, such as running lights and horns to make sure they are on board, and
operable.
• Make sure there are enough provisions for the cruise.
• Leave a float plan with someone who can notify authorities in the event you do not return in the
allotted time.
• Double check the fuel and engine oil levels.
• Set the battery switches to “ON”.
• Check the emergency stop lanyard to see if it is properly attached, and that the shift lever is in the
neutral position.
Remember the rule of thirds: 1/3 out, 1/3 back, and 1/3 in reserve.
After Starting the Engine
• Upon initial start-up, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for engine break-in
• Check to be sure there is a tell-tale water stream exiting the engine.
• Check the gauges to determine if everything is nominal.
• Check to make sure everything is secure and properly stowed away; remember the boat’s movement
is dynamic and anything that is loose will become a hazard at the worst possible time.
• Have a great time on the water
Remember that the captain is responsible for the safety of the crew and passengers and
for his/her boat’s wake damage.
Never operate the boat while under the influence of alcohol!
• Make sure someone else on-board knows how to operate the boat in the event you are injured and
unable to operate the boat.
If you are operating the boat for the first time, make sure you follow the engine
manufacturer’s break-in recommendations. This will assure proper break-in and reduce
the possibility of engine problems.
9.2 Basic Rules of the Road
The following is not intended to be a comprehensive course in seamanship and rules of the road, but
instead an introduction. It is strongly recommended that a boating safety course be taken from your
local Coast Guard Auxiliary or local Department of Natural Resources. There are also many good
reference books in your local library as well as numerous sites on the internet.
Remember, paddle boats, sailboats and other vessels (such as barges) which are unable
to maneuver, always have the right of way over powerboats. Sail boats, when under
power, are considered motor boats. However, always boat defensively.
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