The Checklist:
Home
Maintenance
Weather Planning
& Resources
Spare Parts &
Boat Outfit
Troubleshooting
Navigation
& Equipment
Celestial Navigation
Vessel Conduct
Rules of the Road
Safety Equipment &
Vessel Paperwork
Trip Planning
Maneuvering, Anchoring
& Enroute Checks
Bar Entrances, Passes
& Narrows
Distances Reference
Mariner Math
Port Information
Panama Canal
Information
Vessel Delivery
Selecting a Vessel
Selling Your Boat
Service Providers
Purchase Checklist
Welcome to Compass Headings
Proper maintenance, planning and prudent decision making are the keys to your safe and enjoyable boating experience.Ask any successful captain or pilot, from Private to Commercial, young or old, they will all describe the same basic steps by which they prepare for each trip. Whether it might be a short jaunt or a long journey, the process is the same.
First is quick review of the maintenance log to ensure that all craft directives, checks and inspections have been complied with. That any regular maintenance or repairs have been completed and signed off.
Second, a chart will be consulted, mapping the route to be taken. Methods of navigation, visual, electronic or both will be considered. Visual geographic references, way points for the chart plotter and the other radio aids to navigation will be noted.
Next, based on expected winds and en route cruise speed, time of departure, time en route and arrival is calculated. Needed fuel will be computed and any required fuel stops planned.
The forecast weather for time of departure, route and destination will be studied. How that weather will affect all aspects of the trip will be determined. An initial decision on whether to go or not to go will be made.
Finally, just before the time of departure, inspection of the craft is made. A quick visual check to ensure that the craft is ready to go. Another check of the current, en route and destination weather is made and the final go no go decision is made.
All of these steps are necessary to ensure that each trip is conducted safely and successfully.
Create a checklist that works for you and one that you will use.
The quality of your boating experience is directly related to the quality of your maintenance, preparation, decision making and trip execution. From Alaska to the Antilles, from Cabo to the Chesapeake - As well as maintenance, maneuvering, trip Planning and Troubleshooting - I hope you find this guide useful.
Always plan ahead, always think ahead.Thank you,
Captain Chris Couch
