Getting ship-shape for summer boating: Your pre-summer boating checklist

Maintenance check on boat or jetski. Tick.

Safety gear check. Tick.

Refresher boating course. Tick.

Research helpful boating apps. Tick.

If you can lay claim to all those ticks, then you’re doing a good job of getting ready for summer boating. So, let’s look at these pointers above in a bit more detail so you can be totally prepared for an excellent boating season.

Maintenance check

Ensure your engine is running perfectly and your battery is in working order. It’s the time to do a once-over of all equipment on your boat and ensure everything is as should be and within expiry dates. It's also worth checking back on when the last time you got a professional service. If the engine hasn't had the once over for a while, make sure to get in before Christmas. The last thing we need is a fail out on the water, especially if everyone is on holiday.

Safety gear check

Are you au fait with the recommended safety gear for boating?  Your checklist of emergency equipment on board should cover communication devices, flares, fire extinguishers, a waterproof torch and a first aid kit. Please note, that was communication devices, plural. It is important to ensure you have two reliable forms of communication equipment - usually, marine VHF radio is best. Maritime NZ stresses that waterproof communications can save a life.

Make sure your lifejackets are in good condition and still fit for purpose (that they still fit your growing children too), that you have enough (including for family and friends who may be joining you), and service any inflatable lifejackets.

Refresher boating course 

The Day Skipper course that NZ Coastguard provides is held in high esteem. It is an introductory course for all members of the family or crew and focuses on essential boating knowledge and safety know-how. It covers boat handling, safety equipment, navigation, tides, weather, rules and regulations, emergencies, and knots - giving you an overview of the whole boating experience. This course applies to a wide range of vessels - including yachts, launches, powerboats, jet skis, sea kayaks, and waka.  

There are a large number of boating courses that offer the opportunity to not only learn new skills, but also refresh and practice old ones.

Not sure how much you know, or need to know? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Take this quiz (courtesy of Boating Education NZ).