Dear Editor:
The snow has melted, and the recent New York and Atlantic City Boat Shows have rekindled our boating enthusiasm. It’s time to prepare to put your boat back in the water. If you kept your decommissioning checklist from last year, many of your tasks are just to reverse those previously done. But there are a number of new items as well. The following list will get you started. It is not complete.
Commissioning Checklist: Inspect all hoses, clamps and through-hull fittings; inspect all sea cocks and lubricate; check hull drain plugs and tighten, if necessary; check dock lines, anchors and anchor rodes. Reverse end to end all lines to distribute wear; flush anti-freeze from water tanks, refill with water, flush and refill again; verify amount, size and condition of PFDs (personal flotation devices); reinstall and check all electronics; check all electrical circuits and lights; replace sacrificial zincs; verify expiration date on all fire extinguishers and replace where necessary; verify expiration date on distress signaling devices and replace where necessary; clean, sand and apply bottom paint; consult engine manual for recommissioning procedures; purchase copy of this year’s tide and current tables (e.g. Eldridge); verify boat and tow insurance is current and adequate; registration and insurance documents should be in a secure place on board; affix current New Jersey registration sticker properly; inspect first aid kit for adequacy; check supply of safety and courtesy handouts for guests; consult any number of maritime books for a complete list of “to dos.”
Soon as you launch your boat, call Lt. John Cmiel, Chairman of Vessel Inspection to schedule a free and confidential safety inspection of your craft. He can be reached at 201-434-5815.If you need to correct a potentially dangerous condition, it is certainly better to be aware of it at dockside rather than when you are in the middle of a thunderstorm with high seas, driven by powerful winds. When you pass inspection, you will receive a certified safety sticker to display on your vessel. All maritime law endorsement agencies and the U.S. Coast Guard recognize this sign of a sound vessel and prudent skipper. More importantly, you can have the confidence that those who have trusted you and came aboard are on a safe thoroughly reviewed vessel, certified by independent, trained inspectors.
The Liberty Harbor Power Squadron will be conducting a boating safety course in March as well as various other courses such as engine maintenance and piloting soon thereafter. You pay only for course materials: the instruction is a public service. Call Jeanette DeBloise at 201-433-2738 to reserve your seat. You will be glad you did. If you have any other questions or comments, you can reach me att 201451-1053 or e-mail to: capnkrupp@home.com (or effective February 28, 2002, capnkrupp@comcast.net.
Joe Krupp