Every boating season starts the same way. The weather improves, the days get longer, and the water starts calling a little louder. After months of inactivity, boaters are eager to untie lines, turn keys, and get back to doing what they love. But according to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the most important part of the season doesn’t happen underway — it happens before the boat ever leaves the dock.
Pre-season preparedness isn’t about being overly cautious or obsessively checking boxes. It’s about recognizing that boats, systems, and safety gear quietly age while sitting idle, and that many of the problems seen during peak boating months are entirely preventable with a little attention early on. To help boaters head into the season smarter and safer, The Log spoke with Garry Nelson of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, whose experience conducting vessel safety checks offers a clear picture of what boaters miss most — and what matters most — before traffic ramps up on the water.
What Inspectors See First
When Auxiliary Vessel Examiners step aboard a recreational vessel, the issues they encounter are often the same ones, season after season. While many boaters assume problems stem from engines or electronics, Nelson explains that the most common deficiencies are far more basic — and far more dangerous when overlooked.
“Auxiliary Vessel Examiners typically find boaters with two significant safety issues,” Nelson said. “First is the expiration of required signaling devices such as marine flares (both handheld and launcher fired). These flares degrade over time and may be useless in an emergency if expired. Some counties have annual marine flare disposal drives to dispose of these. Second is a required life jacket or PDF (personal flotation device). A life jacket that is wrapped in plastic and stowed cannot be donned quickly. Many times these PFDs are stuffed into a boat compartment and are not readily accessible. With inflatable life jackets many times the inflating cartridges are long expired.”
These aren’t technical failures or obscure regulations — they’re everyday oversights that become critical when something goes wrong. Pre-season checks give boaters time to replace expired gear, inspect inflatables, and rethink where safety equipment is stored so it can actually be used.
Required Equipment Isn’t Always Understood
Beyond the items that are simply expired or buried, many boaters misunderstand what’s legally required for their specific vessel size and configuration. Nelson notes that even experienced boaters are often surprised by what examiners find missing or non-compliant.
“Life Jackets (PFDs) where there are not enough for all persons, no child-size PFDs, or they are not USCG-approved for the vessel’s use (wrong type or in poor condition). Required Throwable Device (Type IV) missing on boats 16 ft and over. Visual Distress Signals (flares) that are expired, water-damaged, or not carried in the required quantities for the vessel and area of operation.”
Fire protection and ventilation are also frequent trouble spots, particularly on gasoline-powered boats.
“Fire Extinguishers that are missing, past service life, not USCG-approved type/ size, or with needles out of the green, corrosion, or broken seals,” Nelson said. “Ventilation — Gasoline engines in enclosed compartments built after AUG 1980 must have a powered ventilation system. Many times engine-room blowers are inoperative or the operator is unaware of proper blower use before starting.”
Other commonly overlooked requirements include flame arrestors, sound-producing devices, navigation lights, sanitation systems, and engine cutoff switches.
“Backfire Flame Arrestor — Required on all gasoline powered inboard or I/O vessels. Sound-Producing Device — (siren, horn/whistle) is required on all recreational vessels. A four second blast should be audible for one-half mile. Navigation Lights not working, mismatched colors, or lenses painted/obscured; often discovered only when checked at the dock.”
Documentation and environmental compliance matter as well.
“MARPOL Trash Placard Must be displayed on vessels 26’ or longer in U.S. navigable waters. Oceangoing vessels 40 feet or over must also have a written trash disposal plan. Verification Documents such as registration/documentation not on board or not matching the displayed numbers. Battery Covers/Secure Connections This is part of the legal equipment checklist.”
Pre-season preparation gives boaters the time to sort through these requirements calmly — rather than discovering gaps during an inspection or emergency.
What Goes Beyond the Minimum
While meeting legal requirements is essential, Nelson emphasizes that real-world emergencies often demand more than the minimum. The Auxiliary strongly encourages boaters to think beyond compliance and prepare for the kinds of situations that actually happen offshore.
“A floatable VHF marine radio with a working DSC/GPS setup where possible. Cell phones can get wet or run out of battery. With a VHF radio you can hail the Coast Guard so they can locate you in an emergency. A good practice is to monitor Channel 16.”
Medical readiness is another area where preparation pays off.
“Fully stocked waterproof marine first-aid kit and any needed personal medications. Read instructions, especially for bleeding emergencies. Consider a product called Bleed Stop.”
Mechanical issues are also easier to handle when the right tools are onboard.
“Repair supplies (sharp pocket knife, multi-tool, fuses, tape, plugs, hose clamps). Bailing device or manual pump for open boats to dewater quickly.”
And while electronics are invaluable, redundancy matters.
“Nav. tools beyond electronics (paper charts, compass) in case of power failure.”
Anchoring, signaling, hydration, and visibility all factor into preparedness.
“Anchor with appropriate rode for your boat, plus spare dock lines and fenders. Emergency signaling beyond the minimum flares: waterproof flashlight or strobe, whistle/air horn, mirror, and an electric SOS light or orange distress flag.”
Even basic comforts can become safety items when help is delayed.
“Extra drinking water, food, sun and thermal protection for delayed rescues. Binoculars for early hazard and traffic detection.”
Preventable Problems Seen Too Often
Many incidents that lead to breakdowns, rescues, or accidents could have been avoided entirely with better dockside habits. According to Nelson, the patterns are remarkably consistent.
“Running out of fuel. Engine failure — Run engine at the dock & restart. Don’t skip mechanical checks. Poor battery connections — Ensure connections are tight with no oxidation. Install terminal covers to prevent other metal coming in contact with terminals.”
Weather and situational awareness are also frequent factors.
“Failure to check weather and conditions before departure. Forgetting the drain plug / not checking bilge. No float plan or an incomplete one.”
Passenger preparedness matters just as much as vessel readiness.
“Not briefing passengers on what to do in case of an emergency — how to throttle down, shut off the engine, call for help or drive the boat if needed.”
And one issue continues to show up year after year.
“Alcohol use starting at the dock: The Coast Guard identifies alcohol as a leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents overall.”
The Power of a Dockside Checklist
One of the simplest ways to avoid these issues is to adopt a consistent pre-departure routine. Nelson strongly recommends using a dockside checklist and involving passengers in the process.
“Use a Dockside Checklist – Prior to departing give passengers a safety briefing – showing them the location of all fire extinguishers, first aid kit, PFDs, flares, etc.”
That checklist should include verifying systems and gear before every outing, especially early in the season.
“Is the drain plug in, bilge pumps working, and there are no active leaks. Check fuel level, battery charge, steering and throttle operation.”
Safety gear should be visually confirmed, not assumed.
“Verify safety gear: one wearable PFD per person, throwable device if required, Fire extinguisher(s), sound device, visual distress signals, anchor and rode.”
Planning remains a cornerstone of safe boating.
“Review current weather, forecast, and local hazards; adjust go/no-go and route. File a float plan with someone ashore, include route, ETA, & contact if overdue.”
And communications should always be tested, not trusted blindly.
“Confirm one working VHF, a charged handheld, and EPIRB/PLB on board.”
Preparing for a Vessel Safety Check
For boaters who plan to request a Vessel Safety Check — or simply want to be inspection-ready — Nelson stresses that preparation is straightforward when done in advance.
“Know What Will Be Inspected. Before the day of the exam, review the current federal requirements for your vessel’s size and type.”
Documentation should be easy to access and accurate.
“Have your state registration or documentation on board, up to date, and reachable. (correct size, color contrast, spacing). If documented, ensure the vessel name and hailing port are correctly marked and documentation papers are on board.”
Examiners also look beyond equipment lists.
“Examiners also look at basic seaworthiness and good practice, not just ‘check-box’ gear.”
That includes ventilation, batteries, bilges, fuel systems, anchors, charts, and general organization.
“Stow gear so lockers and compartments are easy to open and inspect.”
Seasonal Realities as Traffic Increases
As peak boating months approach, conditions change quickly — both on the water and at the ramps. Nelson urges boaters to think seasonally.
“Increased Traffic. Anticipate heavier traffic, including many inexperienced boaters and paddlers, which raises collision risks; operate at safe speeds and maintain extra vigilance.”
Cold water remains a risk early in the season.
“Recognize that early-season water can remain cold even on warm days, which increases hypothermia risk for paddlers and small-craft users.”
Holiday weekends and nighttime operations require extra caution.
“Plan extra time and caution around holidays…when launch ramps, channels, and popular anchorages are crowded and nighttime navigation is more challenging.”
Preparation Is the Best Seamanship
Pre-season preparedness isn’t about fear — it’s about respect. Respect for the water, for your passengers, and for the reality that once you leave the dock, help may not be immediate. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s message is clear: most boating emergencies aren’t caused by rare events, but by ordinary oversights.
A few careful hours at the dock now can prevent long days of frustration later — or worse. As the season ramps up, preparedness remains the quiet advantage that separates stressful outings from safe, memorable ones.
