Boat Safety Checklist Template - Free PDF

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Boat safety checklist template

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Use this template with Lumiform

Customize this template or build your own
Fill out templates via mobile app
Get reports and analyse your data

Prices start from ░░░ per month

Book a demo

Learn more

We created this boat safety checklist template to help you prevent the most common maritime accidents through systematic safety verification. This digital inspection form guides you through a complete vessel safety assessment—covering emergency equipment, communication devices, engine systems, and navigation tools. The checklist helps address the leading causes of boating accidents, including operator inattention, and equipment failures.

Use this template to document compliance with maritime regulations, track maintenance needs, and create an auditable safety record for each vessel. Whether you manage a charter fleet or oversee marina operations, this checklist transforms safety from an afterthought into a proactive, ingrained routine for boat safety that protects lives and assets.

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Preview of the template

Boat's Details

Boat's License Number

Hull Identification Number

Port of Embarkation

Port of Disembarkation

Pre-Departure

Have I checked the latest weather report and tides/currents?

Have I filed a float plan?

To whom did I share it with?

Attach screenshot/picture of the float plan (optional)

Have I identified non-swimmers?

Have I identified a second-in-command?

Who?

Have I diligently accomplished the Boat Safety Equipment Checklist?

Have I shared with the crew and passengers the location of the safety equipment?

Have I demonstrated the engine shutdown technique?

Have I checked bilges and pump dry if there is water present?

Before Engine Start

Did I run the blower for at least 4 minutes? [Only applicable if gasoline is inboard]

Have I checked lubricating oil?

Have I checked fuel level?

Did I make sure buzzers sound on engine panel?

Engine Start

Have I checked the cooling water and oil pressure?

Did I try to fit and attach the kill switch lanyard?

On The Water

Have I familiarized myself with the waters I'm navigating?

Am I using VHF radio weather channels to continuously be alert?

Do I know where the nearest harbor is?

Where is it?

Am I monitoring fuel consumption?

Am I ready to lend assistance in case of emergency?

Return to the Dock

Have I moored the boat correctly (with bow, stern, spring lines, and fenders)?

Did I ensure snubbers are in place, and lines are protected from chafe?

Did I pump the holding tank?

Always-on loads (automatic bilge pump, alarms, clocks) are on?

Non-essential loads (running lights, VHF, Stereo, etc) are off?

Is the shorepower cable connected and battery on?

Have I filled-out, signed, and dated the logbook?

Have I called the person I shared the float plan with?

Sign-Off

Name

Position

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Frequently asked questions

What should a comprehensive boat safety template include?

A thorough boat safety template should include life jackets for all passengers, fire extinguishers, visual distress signals, navigation lights, sound-producing devices, bilge pumps, first aid kits, communication equipment, and engine safety checks. It should also cover weather monitoring procedures, float plans, and vessel-specific items based on your boat type and intended use.

How often should I complete a boat safety inspection checklist?

You should complete a boat safety inspection checklist before every trip, at the beginning of each boating season, after major repairs or modifications, and following severe weather events. Regular safety checks help identify potential problems before they become emergencies and ensure your vessel remains compliant with maritime regulations.

Can I customize this boat safety template for different vessel types?

Yes, you can customize this boat safety template for different vessel types by adding vessel-specific inspection points, adjusting safety equipment requirements based on boat size and operating area, incorporating specialized checks for unique features, and also setting different inspection frequencies based on usage patterns and risk profiles.

How does a digital boat safety checklist improve over paper forms?

A digital boat safety checklist improves over paper forms by allowing real-time updates across your fleet, enabling photo documentation of safety issues, automatically generating timestamped inspection reports, assigning corrective actions with deadlines, and creating searchable safety records that can be accessed from anywhere, even during Coast Guard inspections.

This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.