It’s hard to believe that another year has flown by, and what a strange year it’s been. It was encouraging to see the industry’s resilience against difficult circumstances; I truly hope that 2021 will start to return us to some sort of normality.

In this edition, the last of the year, I continue with my ongoing series of articles, providing tips and information for those of you looking to further your qualifications and skills in becoming qualified as Day Skippers (day cruising in favourable weather in familiar waters) and Yachtmaster (day and night, 150 nautical miles from a safe haven).

So let’s roll up our sleeves and tackle the subject of pre-departure checks. From engine checks to safety briefings, it is a large subject, so let’s focus on the key points. For a new skipper it may be helpful to have a checklist which you can use to ensure you are running through thorough checks and briefings.

A key skipper skill is to be able to board an unfamiliar vessel and know what to look for in ensuring its seaworthiness. You must become confident in providing your crew with essential information, so you are all prepared should things go wrong.

Arrive early at the yacht, thus gaining sufficient time to look through the boat before any guests or other crew are due to board. Try to engage someone who knows the boat to provide a familiarisation briefing. An engine check is essential and using the acronym of WOBBLE: water, oil, belts, batteries, leaks and electrics will help you run through basic engine checks.

Remember that the generator counts as an engine. Opening up the bilge compartments is also essential, particularly on sailing boats. I would want to see if there is any water ingress, inspect the keel bolts and also the condition of the bilge and surrounding area, for signs of the vessel having previously been run aground (cracks in fibreglass for example). Find out where all the sea-cocks are and ensure they are functional, and not seized.   A good trainer will teach you how to thoroughly check a vessel’s engine and what to look for in a battery compartment.

I continue my checks by switching on all the electronics systems to ensure everything is working: Equipment such as chart plotters, the speed log, depth gauge – make sure you know the draft of the boat and whether the depth is set from the waterline or below the keel – lights, bilge pumps etc. These things are rarely functioning 100%! It’s important to know how the systems work and where all the switches are. Check the lights are working, for if you’re delayed and it reaches dusk, maritime law states that appropriate navigation lights must be used.

Take some time to become familiar with the VHF radio and ask for a radio check with the local harbour master.  Is the set linked to the GPS? Is the MMSI number of the vessel input correctly? Make a note of the vessel’s callsign should you need to make an emergency call.

Once the navigation table and the control panel have been checked over, it’s time to run up the engine(s) and check their efficiency. Disconnect shore power to discover whether the batteries are fully functional and check anything you can see that might foul the propeller(s), prior to placing the throttles in neutral and starting the engines. Test the gears for functionality, test any thrusters and make a final inspection to ensure water is coming through the exhaust.

By now, you’ll be ready for some fresh air, so it’s time for deck checks. I normally start at the pointy end (bow) and work my way back. I check the windlass and ensure the anchor is ok and tied down. As I walk back towards the stern I will inspect the condition of rails, deck fittings, rigging, winches and sails (if it’s a sailing boat). By the time I reach the stern I’ll finish with a check of the gas locker and gas fittings as well as supply, to ensure there’s plenty for the trip.

During my walkaround, I’ll explore what equipment is on-deck; such as lines and fenders, and check through the safety gear. Of course it depends on the size of the vessel, whether it’s private or commercial and where it will be cruising. The equipment will vary between a small powerboat used for short coastal passages and larger, ocean- going boats. Nevertheless, now is the time to find all the gear, and make sure you know how it works, rather than having to try and figure it out when you are in an emergency situation. For coastal sailing, as an absolute minimum, I’d want the following items on board: Fire extinguishers, first aid kit (ideally CAT C), flares and life jackets. There should also be devices such as a horseshoe buoy for use in the event of a man overboard, as well as a full tool kit and adequate engine spares/fluids. If island hopping or any other situation where you will be further from land, a suitable life raft is necessary.

If any major defects are discovered during the above process, or any key item found to be missing, it’s imperative that such things are resolved before going to sea. It’s the responsibility of the skipper to ensure that the vessel is in a seaworthy condition before committing to throwing off the bow lines. With a bit of practice, this process can be carried out relatively quickly and it is normally at such a time that potential issues are discovered. Remember, should the worst happen, a good and clear safety briefing before departure can make the difference between making it home and not.

Always consider the worst case scenario, rather than having a ‘hope for the best’ attitude. Ensure that the boat is adequately provisioned, that the tanks are topped up, and that you have suitable publications onboard (charts, almanac and pilot books), as well as making a proper passage plan, including checking the weather and letting someone reliable know when you depart and what your destination is. Practice man overboard drills and prepare for emergency situations such as sinking or fire. This will provide peace of mind and allow everyone to enjoy themselves in a safe environment.

I hope reading this has been helpful and has provided some food for thought. Happy sailing to those still out there cruising…  Enjoy the holiday season!

Nathan Skinner

Nathan@WhyKnotSailing

Facebook.com/NathanSailing