Boating Safety Checklist

There are several easy, no-cost ways to be safe on the water. Get a vessel safety check, courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons. Take a safety course: The Boat US Foundation offers free online courses. File a float plan with family or friends, and give a safety talk to your passengers including wearing PFDs, how the VHF radio works, holding on when crossing wakes, and distributing weight evenly especially in smaller boats. 

The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) provides this handy checklist of required and recommended items. Grady-White encourages all boaters to enjoy your boating adventures–safely! 

Click on the image below to download this checklist as a printable PDF!