You’re raring to go, and so is your boat! But before you set off, ensure that you’ve gone through all the relevant checks.

• Check the weather forecast. Consider the prevailing wind force, wave profile and visibility. Don’t exceed the capabilities of your boat’s design category.

• Make sure you and your crew have the necessary boating and navigation skills. Agree on the duties for each person before approaching and leaving the shore.

• Make sure you load your boat right. Ensure that your load, including the number of passengers, does not exceed the maximum limit of your design category.

• Check you have all the necessary equipment such as life jackets for all passengers, mooring lines, fenders, functional safety equipment and a compass. Have a print copy of your charts covering a sufficiently large area.

• Refuel the boat and make sure you use the right type of fuel. Check the engine manual, if in doubt.

•  Inspect the engine as specified in the engine manual.

• Be prepared for unexpected situations with extra fuel and provisions. Not to forget spare batteries for equipment like phones and flashlight.

• Check that all the critical equipment such as the steering system, navigation lights, horn and bilge pumps are functional.

• Check that the seacocks are open, hatches closed, and bilge clear of water and fuel.

• Ensure sufficient ventilation of the fuel compartments to reduce the risk of fire. Make sure ventilation channels are unobstructed.

• Make sure you know and obey the right-of-way rule and other navigation rules defined in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at sea (COLREG).