How to use: Work through each step before every departure. Tap the circle to check it off. Hit View Details on any step for the full explanation of what to look for and why it matters. Bookmark this page — it lives at fmycpredeparturetool.com and works on any phone or tablet.
Before anything else — stop or slow the vessel. Reduce throttle to idle or neutral. Anchor if in shallow water. Do not leave the helm until the boat is no longer moving or in danger of moving.
2
Account for Everyone on Board
Count heads immediately. Is everyone accounted for? If someone is in the water — one person calls it and points. Do not take eyes off them. Throw the lifebuoy immediately.
3
Assess the Situation
What is the immediate threat? Fire, flooding, engine failure, medical, collision? Identify the most urgent single threat and deal with that first.
4
Call for Help
VHF Channel 16. Push and hold to talk, release to listen. Use the VHF Protocol guide above. Immediate danger: MAYDAY × 3, vessel name, position, emergency, souls on board.
5
Deploy Safety Equipment
Life jackets on everyone. Fire extinguisher if fire. Bilge pumps on if flooding. Do not abandon the vessel unless actively sinking — the boat is easier to find than a person in the water.
Escalating? If the situation becomes life-threatening, upgrade immediately: say "MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY, UPGRADING FROM PAN PAN" and use the Mayday script.
SÉCURITÉ — Safety Announcement
Use when: navigational hazard spotted (debris, unlit vessel, shallow water), or severe weather developing in your area.
Say this — word for word:
SÉCURITÉ SÉCURITÉ SÉCURITÉ
ALL STATIONS ALL STATIONS ALL STATIONS
THIS IS[Vessel Name]
NAVIGATIONAL HAZARD:[location, nature, and extent of hazard]
[Any additional information for mariners in the area]
OUT
Note: Ends with "OUT" not "OVER" — you are broadcasting, not expecting a response.
Free Offer — Limited Availability
In-Depth Onboard Training with Luke
Come aboard your vessel and work through everything you need to know — this checklist, your specific equipment, and the quirks of your boat. Real training, on your boat, in your marina.
Walk This Checklist Together
Go through every step on your actual vessel. Find your seacocks, test your bilge pumps, check your safety gear — so you know exactly what to do before every departure.
Learn Your Boat's Characteristics
Every vessel handles differently. Learn how yours responds to throttle, wind, and current — so you're operating confidently, not guessing.
Crew & Guest Readiness
Get your crew up to speed on safety briefings, man overboard, VHF radio, and emergency procedures — so everyone on board is an asset, not a liability.
Departure & Docking Manoeuvres
Practice the departure and return with Luke alongside. Wind, current, tight slips — build the muscle memory that makes leaving and returning stress-free.
