Your boating checklist

Check your fuel tanks

If the boat's been out of the water for a while, it pays to replace old fuel with clean, fresh fuel and check the hose connections. Here's some more info.

Charge those batteries

Are they good to go? Terminals clean and connections all tight? Check out our battery basics.

Turn the motor over

Give your engine(s) a start, check that there are no blockages and that everything works just as it should. If in doubt, check out one of our Engine Maintenance courses.

Check your local marine weather

See what’s going on out there before you hit the water– it’s quick and easy with the Coastguard app. Free for download from Google Play and the App Store.

Give your lifejackets a once-over

Self-service your inflatable lifejackets and check your foam jackets for wear and tear. Have you got enough lifejackets for all your mates that are lining up to get out there with you?

Check out our other video about how to re-arm your inflatable lifejacket.

Two forms of communication

Got an emergency beacon, your phone, or a charged and working VHF radio? It’s simple and easy to do a radio check with us from home - just call Coastguard Radio on your local Coastguard VHF channel and request a radio check.

Got your boat covered if the unexpected happens?

Coastguard will always have your back out on the water, but what if something happens to your vessel? Tower are Coastguard's preferred marine insurer, check out the benefits of a Tower Boat Policy and get a quick quote.

Grab your Coastguard Membership

If you haven’t got one already, make sure your Coastguard Membership is up to date. For only $130 you’ve got peace of mind getting your pride and joy back out there with free on-water assistance for when things don’t quite go to plan.

Be kind at the boat ramp

Everyone is likely to be a little rusty reversing, and super keen to get out there! Have patience, and be kind.