3000 EXPRESS
10-3
10.3 Pre-Cruise Check
Before Starting the Engines:
• Check the weather forecast. Decide if the planned cruise can be made safely.
• Be sure all required documents are on board.
• Be sure all necessary safety equipment is on board and operative. This should include items
like the running lights, spotlight, life saving devices, etc. Please refer to Chapter 9 for additional
information on safety equipment.
• Make sure you have signal kits and flare guns aboard, and they are current and in good operating
condition.
• Be sure you have sufficient water and other provisions for the planned cruise.
• Leave a written message listing details of your planned cruise with a close friend ashore (Float
Plan). The float plan should include a description of your boat, where you intend to cruise, and
a schedule of when you expect to arrive in the cruising area, and when you expect to return.
Keep the person informed of any changes in your plan to prevent false alarms. This information
will tell authorities where to look and the type of boat to look for in the event you fail to arrive.
• Check the amount of fuel on board. Observe the “rule of thirds”: one third of the fuel for the
trip out, one third to return and one third in reserve. An additional 15% may be consumed in
rough seas.
• Check the water separating fuel filters (if installed) for water. The engine fuel filters also should
be checked for leaks or corrosion.
• Turn the battery switches on the Power Plant on.
• Check the bilge water level. Look for other signs of potential problems. Monitor for the scent
of fuel fumes.
• Test the automatic and manual bilge pump switches to make sure the system is working
properly.
• Turn on the bilge blower. Check the blower output and operate five (5) minutes before starting
the engine. The blower also should be activated when operating below cruising speed.
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