Charter Basics
Safety on Board — The Most Important Checklist
Check Before Departure
- Life jackets in the right size for every crew member
- VHF radio functional, emergency channel 16 known to all
- First aid kit complete and not expired
- Fire extinguisher on board and accessible
- Bilge pump functioning
Discuss Emergency Plans
Before departure, the whole crew should know: where the life jackets are, how the man-overboard procedure works, and how to use VHF channel 16 in an emergency.
Make Weather Checks a Daily Routine
Check the current marine forecast and wind predictions every morning before departure (see our guide on wind and weather).
Frequently asked questions
Is a first aid course worthwhile before chartering?
Yes, especially for bareboat charter without a medically trained crew, a basic first aid course is highly recommended.
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