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Afloat today, there are 9,086 yachts. The world’s longest yacht is the Azzam, which measures over 592 feet and seven inches. The world’s largest yacht is the Fulk Al Salamah, which has a volume of 20,361 GT.
Yachts are fun and will take you on many adventures, but when you sail them, you must sail them safely. This means that before you set sail, it is important to inspect your yacht thoroughly.
Emergencies could happen, but with the right preparation, you will be okay to handle challenges, such as the one mother nature can bring. Keep reading for a comprehensive yacht checklist to keep handy.
Personal Flotation Devices and Life Jackets
Before your yacht takes off on a blue adventure, you must have at least one personal flotation device that is approved by the US Coast Guard. Further, you need two PFDs in total on board.
This is a minimum requirement. The more, the better.
For a yacht that is longer than 16 feet, it is critical that you also have onboard a throwable type four PFD. All passengers must know where the personal flotation devices are before setting sail.
Sound-Producing Devices
You need two onboard your yacht, so add this to your inspection checklist. It could be a bell, horn, or whistle.
If you choose to carry an air horn, then you must also have a spare can to have compressed air onboard the yacht, too.
Lights
You must have a yacht with all the required navigation lights, but you must also add to your yacht checklist to check it. Before you set sail, you want to know that it works appropriately. Further, also have a flashlight onboard too, in case of emergency.
Distress Signals
In case of an emergency, you must store flares somewhere on the yacht that is dry and accessible. Any passengers onboard the yacht must know where the distress signals are before leaving the marina, and they must know how to use them.
Docking and Anchoring
Another item for the yacht checklist to have before you set sail is to have at least one anchor onboard your yacht. Further, you want at least one anchor which is attached to the anchor line.
While docking, you need two fenders. This means you should inspect your yacht’s anchor line and fenders before leaving. In case of potential issues, later on, keep a couple of spare dock lines, too, on the yacht while sailing.
Documentation
You will need certain types of documentation with you, depending on your activities. This can include:
- Boat registration
- Boater education care
- Fishing permits
- Radio license
Further, you will want documentation on the area of the world you are exploring. For quick reference, keep local charts handy.
Fire Extinguishers
You may have a requirement to keep a U.S. Coast Guard-approved fire extinguisher. If so, you will need it available someplace accessible, and you should have it on your yacht checklist before heading out to sea.
Make sure the fire extinguisher is not past the expiration date. Also, you will need to inspect that it is mounted securely. All passengers on board for an adventure on your yacht will need to know the location of the fire extinguisher in case of an emergency.
Tools and Spares
You never know when you will need a spare part, so keep things like light bulbs and a fuel filter handy. Also, keep a basic toolbox available in case you need to do some quick and easy minor repairs yourself.
Ventilation
Your yacht should be well-ventilated where you have enclosed spaces. Run the blower on the yacht for four minutes before turning the engine on.
Upon inspection and before sailing, see if you smell any fumes after you run the blower. Should you smell fumes after blowing, check to see if there is a spill or leak.
Emergency Boat Operation
While sailing on a yacht, you cannot always guarantee clear skies. In case of severe storms, passengers on the yacht must know what the procedures will be should an emergency occur.
If your yacht has a VHF radio, then you must know how to use it. Further, keep a first aid kit somewhere you can access it and add to your yacht checklist that you must investigate if it is well-stocked.
Weather Forecast
Speaking of stormy skies, you must check the weather before sailing. While you are sailing, continue to monitor the weather. Regularly check it with a handheld radio.
Fuel and Oil
The last challenge you will want to incur is that you are somewhere in the deep sea, and you run out of fuel. That is why your yacht checklist needs to have enough fuel with you before you set sail. You should inspect the oil and the coolant, too, ensuring they have good levels.
Taking Care of Your Battery
Another item to check off on your yacht checklist before leaving the marina is to ensure your battery is fully charged. Any equipment you have onboard that is battery-powered, make sure it works properly. You should keep spare batteries handy too, just in case, for items like your flashlight and handheld radio.
Bilges
Inspect your bilge pump. Before sailing, make sure it works correctly. The bilge must be clear of waste and dry.
Inspect Your Yacht
The team at Pristine Boat Detailing is full of boat enthusiasts, so they know how you feel about your yacht. You want to take care of your investment and set sail safely, so it is important to inspect your yacht every time you set sail before you leave the marina.
Pristine Boat Detailing specializes in yacht management and boat detailing. If you have questions about caring for your yacht, don’t wait to reach out. Contact Pristine Boat Detailing today.