Checklists

On another thread people are discussing routines for anchoring. Got me thinking about developing new checklists for when I pick up my new (to me) trawler later this Spring. On past boats I always had checklists for things like pre-cruise inspection, start-up, leaving slip (or mooring/anchorage), anchoring, etc. (How many times have you seen fenders banging alongside outside the breakwater?)*

Started with lists when I started GA flying many years ago and kept it up through my practice as an anesthesiologist (set-up, pre-op interview, pre-induction, etc.). The lists didn't dictate my every move, but were guidelines in front of me to make sure nothing would be overlooked when it counted. They must have had some value - retired after 25 years with no malpractice cases.

So how do people use checklists on board? What do they look like? Where do you keep them? How do you create them?

David

Wow, I would really be interested in what you learn.

Here is one I used on our Island Packet sailboat and have adapted to use on our Grand Banks.

BEFORE DEPARTING DOCK
Check that safety equipment is aboard, in good working order and accessible:
- Fire Extinguishers (2 minimum)
- PFD for each person aboard
- Emergency Bailer/Manual Bilge Pump Handle
- Distress Signaling Equipment (Flares)
- Flashlight
- Searchlight
- Tools and Repair Parts for Engine and Major Accessories
- Emergency Drinking Water
- First Aid Kit
- Navigation Equipment and Charts
- Ground Tackle
- Sound Producing Device (Horn and Bell)
- Attach Lifesling to stern rail
- Install radar reflector
Check that bilge has no fuel fumes and little or no water. Ventilate and pump out as necessary.
Check engine
-Check oil system for leaks and oil levels are adequate
-Check coolant level
-Check fan belt tension
-Start engine and check overboard flow of cooling water allow engine to idle for several minutes before heading out
Check fuel
-Determine fuel is adequate (Follow rule of thirds: 1/3 for trip outbound, 1/3 for trip inbound; and 1/3 for reserve OR 20 gallons = 60 hours)
-Check primary filter bowl, drain off water as necessary
-Check pressure gauge on top of primary filter
Check Electrical system
- Check to see that navigation lights operate satisfactorily
- Check battery levels in handhelds, backup jump start battery, etc. If necessary, determine if charging underway is necessary. If charging is necessary, set appropriate inverter, switch, and battery settings when setting AC and DC electrical switches.
- Determine battery switch settings and establish charging/use rotation, if necessary
-Check batteries and set battery switch as necessary
- Turn off all unnecessary DC switches, determine which switches to leave on.
-Turn off AC electrical at electrical panel
-Turn off AC electrical at dock, disconnect from dock, and stow cord
Check instruments
-Turn on instruments, uncover instrument gauges and stow covers
- Insert chart plotter chip and turn on Garmin
- Turn on VHF Radio and check weather report; place hand-held in cockpit
Make sure there is a second person on board to take over from skipper.
Instruct all guests on safety and operation and provide Welcome Aboard.
Close head seacock.
Clean/install speed rotor.
Secure all ports and hatches.
Secure all gear above and below.

GETTING UNDERWAY
Put out cockpit cushions.
Prepare dock lines to make way; save spring line for last.
Have boat hook ready to fend off.
Attach life lines.
Immediately after departing, stow dock lines and fenders.

RETURNING TO MARINA
Prepare dock lines, cleat, feed through chock, and over life lines.
Prepare fenders.
Have boat hook ready.
Attach electrical cord to dock.
Turn on electrical panel and systems (turning off those not necessary).
Stow Lifesling.
Stow radar reflector
Retrieve chart plotter chip, stow, and turn off Garmin.
Turn off VHF radio and place hand-held in recharging dock.
Remove all burgees and flags.

BEFORE LEAVING BOAT
Clear deck of any items.
Cover navigation station.
Cover hatches.
Fill water tank.
Move cushions to quarter-berth.
Make certain propane tank is turned off.
Load cold items; turn off refrigerator and prop open door.
Turn on dehumidifier.
Vinegar solution in sinks and head.
Bleach solution in shower pan.
Close thru hulls.
Secure all ports and hatches and close shades.
Bilge pump switch on automatic.
Bring in cockpit cushions.
Take out trash.
Shut down electrical panel, except for main and accessories.
Lock companion way hatch.
Close enclosure curtains.
Attach life lines.

We used this one because we forget a lot.

DEPARTURE CHECKLIST

Stow loose items
Stow backrest
Latch cabinet doors
Latch bulkhead doors
Main cabin
Stow loose items @ Nav station
Stow placemats
Stow galley items
Refrigerator door latched
Stow vanity/head items
Stow loose items in aft cabin
Remove port hole covers
Open shades
Latch cabinet doors
Install speed transducer
Air Conditioner off
Air Conditioner through hull closed
A/C power mains off
Backup GPS/VHF on DC charge
Helm/Cockpit
Check Engine fluids & belts
Check battery monitor
Start Yanmar -- verify throttle operation
Disconnect shore power
Stow companionway slats
Stow helm cover
Air horn @ helm
Flashlight @ helm
VHF microphone @ helm -- verify operation
Stow grill in sail locker
Binoculars @ helm
Wind instrument @ helm
Propane cylinder valved OFF
Nav chip installed in chart plotter
Power up helm instruments
Verify RADAR operation
Attach Life sling & hook tether
Ship's flag in holder
Winches in halyard/sheet locker
Main sheet & furling lines dropped into cabin
Furling, gib sheet, and traveler lines ready
Seat cushions in place
Offshore trip - life jackets & safety tethers @ helm
Offshore trip - MOB signal lights tested
Offshore trip - jack line in place
Offshore trip - ditch bag in place
Offshore trip - life raft on board
Offshore trip - EPIRB in ditch bag
Offshore trip - Lifetag MOB tested
Offshore trip - 2-way radios in place
Night departure -- Running & Steaming lights ON
Night departure -- Spotlight @ helm
Main deck & Misc.
Stow hatch and windshield (X2) covers
Fresh water tank FULL
Ice in chest
Water hose in sail locker
Shore power cables in sail locker
Bucket in sail locker

GEEZ Greg,
That sure doesn't seem to leave much time for cruising!!

I check:

Power cord off

Lines free

Then I go.

Gregg, you check a lot of things. I do religiously check oil level anytime I start up. My fire extinguishers and thru hulls stay where I leave them. I must confess that I was a pilot for 40 years but I don't use a written checklist for our boat. I have no explanation for that. Maybe it seemed too much like work . I have a "flow" from engine room up to fly bridge that I follow from memory. I am not saying that I never forget anything.

Checklist #1:* There are no checklists

Checklist #2:* If you find a checklist, see Checklist #1

If we gets lost, we just pull in somewhere and ask directions.

1 Check that all friges are working
2 check all filled with cold beer & wine
3 Power cord unplugged (Historically important)
4 Check beer supplies ( Chilled and variety)
Lets go boating cruise north until warmer.
All other items are on a continual check list when living on board.
Oh don't forget to check the beer.

Benn

Walk around. You can't walk past a still plugged in power cord. or a boarding ladder.
You can't miss a still tied shore line.
Call for the dog, call for the wife. If both respond, we can go.
If I made a list, I would put it down somewhere and not be able to find it.

There are "list people".
I am not one of those.

Hmmm. So far, appears to be a wide spectrum in using lists. Maybe it's because people are so familiar with their boat they are comfortable with the routine they have established to check things out. Getting a new boat, I'll have to establish my routines, so I'll probably jot down a few lists to help me get established. However, I'll keep them handy and use the lists on a routine basis.

I've seen too many "critical events" prevented in the OR by using lists. You've probably heard about wrong-site surgery where the wrong limb was amputated or the wrong kidney removed. Likewise, surgical instruments, etc. are listed and counted before a wound is closed to make sure nothing is left inside. People can have absolute confidence that they are doing the right thing and not forgetting something, but when checked against a written list they are sometimes surprised.

Taking an afternoon cruise may not be as critical as a surgical procedure, but it gets surprisingly complex if it involves multiple chores like opening/closing valves, positioning switches, handling lines, operating electronics, etc. Personally, I'd prefer not to have "critical incidents" on my boat.

David

I make a list.

The first thing on the list is to make a list.

SD

I have a short checklist that's on each page of the logbook. Things like "bow thruster switch on" and "fuel valves" open. Most of these things are in there because....

I also have a heavy weather checklist that I run when we're expecting really rough water. Things like "tie the oven door shut" and "install curtain rods in refrigerator shelves". Again, things I've learned from NOT doing them.

Jay N wrote:
Checklist #1:* There are no checklists

Checklist #2:* If you find a checklist, see Checklist #1

If we gets lost, we just pull in somewhere and ask directions.

Click to expand...

LOL, Captain Ron!

We don't have anything in writing, though we have discussed the possible need to do so after one unfortunate incident that shall not be mentioned.*

koliver wrote:
Call for the dog, call for the wife. If both respond, we can go.

Click to expand...

Reminds me of a boating adventure in Seattle on a friend's boat.* We had to leave the dock pretty early to get to Sea Faire (sp?).* We hadn't gotten far before the we realized the owner's son was not withs us.* Went back to the dock and there he was with his cup of Starbucks he'd gone for without telling anyone.* Making sure everyone is aboard is a good thing.

*

I think I need a checklist on how to secure our boat before going home.

After a weekend cruise (perfect weather in NJ for a change) I forgot to take the trash out of the bin in the galley.

It has an access door to the side deck so I figured I would get it last. I figured wrong.

Gives me an excuse to go back sooner.

JohnP


-- Edited by JohnP on Monday 2nd of May 2011 05:31:52 PM

Friend of mine has a short check list on a metal collar that fits over the throttle control.
"make sure Wife is aboard"
nothing else.

Being also a trained GA pilot I have the same ideas but never actually put together a list.
But you cannot write everything down, same in flying the checklist is just a short list reminder.

if one was to make a check list it would be something like:

Pre-inspection complete - CHECK (check all engine fluid levels and inspect systems and also includes weather briefs).
DC power setting - CHECK
Shoreline disconnect - CHECK
Electrical verify OFF - CHECK
Main on - CHECK
Throttles set - CHECK
Prop set - CHECK
Start engines L/R, verify oil pressure - CHECK
Radios/Navigation on - CHECK
Lights set - CHECK
Shorelines in - CHECK

basic stuff would be helpful, if someone did attempt to start an engine full WOT in gear it could have consequences...

*

Per wrote:
Shoreline disconnect - CHECK

Click to expand...

LOL!* We watched a boat leave their slip one time with the shore power still connected.* If I were a betting man I never would have said you can stretch one that long before one end lets loose.

Carl,
Not sure, probably some boats have and some do not, i have not tried on mine.
But as in airplanes, I would not want to take it for granted even if it does have a disconnect switch engaged.
Airplanes with retractable gear has a switch in the landing gear engaged when there is weight on the wheels and hence disengaging the gear up switch, but somehow people still manage to retract the wheels (inadvertently) when sitting on the ground...

*"but don't most systems have "in gear" cutoffs that don't allow a starter to engage if a tranny is in gear? "

My 1983 Ford Lehman does NOT have this protection (a neutral safety switch).



*

jleonard wrote:
*

My 1983 Ford Lehman does NOT have this protection (a neutral safety switch).



*

J,* I have the same engine the same year with a borg warner gear, the neutral safety switch is on the side of the transmssion, with 2 wires attached.

JohnP

Click to expand...

*

JohnP wrote:jleonard wrote:
*

My 1983 Ford Lehman does NOT have this protection (a neutral safety switch).



*

J,* I have the same engine the same year with a borg warner gear, the neutral safety switch is on the side of the transmssion, with 2 wires attached.

JohnP

Click to expand...

*Yes I know what it looks like and know where it would be located....I don't have one. No evidence there ever was one.*

Screwed me up once...the time I lost power in the Harlem river due to an air bubble in the fuel system on my initial delivery voyage. *Part of the reason I had trouble getting running was because the engine was in gear...wasn't very far off center on the shifter, but enough to be in gear and slow the engine down while cranking...hence the difficulty starting.* Wife screamed out that we were moving* meaning we unhooked...but it was movement because the prop was turning with the starter. Freaky but that gave me the clue I needed at the time to get running. Funny how stuff happens sometimes.

*By the way that was the LAST time I saw the old Yankee Stadium....I was looking up at it when I was calling the CG...that's how I reported my position "in the Harlem River looking up at Yankee Stadium". They knew where I was.

*


-- Edited by jleonard on Tuesday 3rd of May 2011 06:13:00 PM

koliver wrote:
There are "list people".
I am not one of those.

Click to expand...

*And that includes Honey Do lists.* We had that discussion 41 years ago and we are still happily married!

We do lists for lots of different kinds of trips. Trying to reduce the chance of going kayaking without a paddle. And I have started to back out of the slip with the power cord still attached but fortunately I've never stretched it. I always seem the remember in the nick of time or someone on the float sees it and saves my. I like shower shoes in the harbor showers and finally stopped forgetting those. We're going on a fairly long trip quite soon and will drag out all the old lists while loading up the boat. Getting all the things aboard for a trip is often a frustrating chore and the lists help. Chris is better organized and likes the lists less. I like them and tend to take them along and add the forgotten things as I go for the next time so the list gets better all the time. So I'll probably have my shower shoes and tooth brush in Sitka next month.

I dont have check list but I do double/triple check things.* Being a live aboard a lot of things that might be on other boaters list as already on the boat and do routine weekly and monthly maintenance items.* I do have a list I made for my wife, how to start the engine/gen set, but she has not interest.* In 16 years she ben in the engine room maybe 1/2 dozen time, but only to help me as I do not have three arms/hands.*
*
Each fall the fuel/oil fluids/filters are changed so there should be no maintenance required in the spring/summer.* This year the preventive maintenance is replace all the high pressure fuel/oil lines, which I will keep on the boat as back up. Still look to be in good shape but 10 years old.* *I keep a full set of hoses, belts, filters, impellors and full set of tools required. My mechanic does not bring parts or tools as they are already on the boat, but if used he replaces them. *
*
This Sunday having a diver check and clean the zincs, though hulls and running gear.* The bow thruster zincs will be replaced, the other zincs should be OK, and the prop and maybe a few areas need to be cleaned of barnacles.* Also have him evaluate if the bottom needs to be painted this years, which will be done second week in September.* *******
*
So its basically; check out of gear, check fluid levels, open through hulls, switch batteries to on, push start button, walk to stern deck to check water flow, check forward and reverse gear, feel/listen/watch engines while disconnecting power cord and lines which left on the dock as we have a full set on the boat. For the protect water of Puget Sound we do not store and/or take down stuff.
*

So if you do routine maintenance, and set things the list is short.** My admiral does not leave me Honey Due list.* However, I do leave list/notes for the admiral, please put your dirty close in the laundry as I can do the laundry, Please clean/pick your room so I can vacuum/dust.* *Please go though your stack of papers/mail, so I can take out the garbage.* *******

there are other ways to remember stuff.
in aviation lots of acronyms are used.
example is CIGARS for a pre-take off:
C: controls free and correct
I: instruments set, compass dialed in etc.
G: Gas on proper tanks, boosters on etc.
A: Attitude (set trims and take off flaps if required)
R: Run up (set brakes, run engine(s) up to preset rpm and verify oil pressure etc)
S: Seat belts (check belts are on your pax and inform them emergency escape route)

you could easily adapt to someting similar for boating (for those non lists folks out there).

old stone, we spend most weekends on the boat and we are to the point we cannot remember whether stuff is at home or on the boat.* Food, beer,*clothes, tools, etc.** Drives us nuts.* Last weekend as we left my husband told me to remind him he does not need to bring any clothes for this weekend!

Old Stone wrote:
OK - It has just come to me.....it's not what I would put on a list, it's WHERE WOULD I PUT THE LIST TO REMEMBER IT EXISTS? All my adult life I have had a problem...Houses, no problem, garages, no problem, work shop, no problem, at-work, no problem, cars, no problem, then WHY is it that no matter what my good intententions are when I first get a new boat, within weeks, not only do I not remember where the tool is (actually, any item of any nature and any description), but I seem to forget there is one on board (until of course I purchase a new one, then miraculously, the old one appears). I have tried everything ! Problem is.......I don't know I can't find it until I need it because I already forgot I HAVE it.

Does anyone have a medicine or cure for this affliction? It seems, for me, the only exceptions to this phenomina are the two steering wheels, the bilge pump switches, and the beer or booze on board. And I hardly even drink! Perhaps that's the problem. HELP !!

Click to expand...

*My problem is sometime the same as yours but there are times when the Admiral starts to "clean up" and she puts stuff in a place because "it fits in that hole".* Never mind that plumbing parts are next to the duct tape and wiring items are with some other plumbing, the only reason was it fit there.

So on the last boat I asked her to please put the items that belonged together all in one place then she made up a site map (Excel Spreed Sheet)*with the name of the item and the location on the boat.*We kept it in two forms printed and up dated on the lap top.*That did work out fairly well.

Now we need to start her on the same project on this boat.

Too many places to put things. I have the same problem, so I generally get to the boat in the set of clothes I want to wear home, so the clothes on the boat will stay there.
The biggest problem is tools. If I have a project for which I need a certain tool, if it is an expensive one, I only have one, and it is usually at the boat. When I need it at home, do I spend the time and gas to go get it from the boat, or do I go to the store and get another. Or do I search the basement to find that I have already gone to the store, and here it is! That happens way too often.

Old Stone wrote:*LET'S NOT EVEN GO THERE !!!!! Thanks very much, but most of us are already in enough trouble! If we get caught laughing at that comment, there may not BE any boating this weekend !

-- Edited by Old Stone on Wednesday 4th of May 2011 02:11:20 PM

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*Oh there may be boating but it will be alone.* The truth be know that isn't*all bad sometime for the both of us.