Vessel Pre-Departure Safety Check Checklist [FREE PDF]

Pre-departure safety inspections are mandated under SOLAS Chapter III and USCG 46 CFR Part 122 to ensure all vessels meet minimum safety standards before leaving port. The ISM Code (IMO Resolution A.741(18)) requires vessel operators to maintain documented safety management procedures, including pre-departure checks. Failure to comply can result in port state control detentions, fines, and liability in the event of an incident at sea.

  • Industry: Maritime
  • Frequency: Per Event
  • Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
  • Role: Chief Officer
  • Total Items: 36
  • Compliance: SOLAS Chapter III – Life-Saving Appliances and Arrangements, USCG 46 CFR Part 122 – Operations, ISM Code IMO Resolution A.741(18), MARPOL Annex I Regulation 13 – Oil Filtering Equipment, IMO MSC/Circ.1091 – Guidelines on Safety during Abandon Ship Drills

Navigation Equipment

Verify all navigation and communication equipment is operational and compliant before departure.

  • Is the primary radar system operational and tested?
  • Is the GPS and GNSS navigation system showing accurate position?
  • Is the GMDSS equipment (VHF, MF/HF, EPIRB) tested and functional?
  • Are all navigation lights tested and operational?
  • Is the AIS transmitting correct vessel data and position?

Life-Saving Appliances

Inspect all life-saving equipment for readiness, accessibility, and certification compliance.

  • Are all lifejackets accessible, serviceable, and within certification date?
  • Are lifeboat and rescue boat release mechanisms tested and lubricated?
  • Are liferaft hydrostatic releases and painters within service date?
  • Are all immersion suits and thermal protective aids accessible and serviceable?
  • Are pyrotechnic flares and EPIRB within expiry date?
  • Is the muster list posted and emergency assignments communicated to crew?

Fire Safety Equipment

Confirm all fire detection, suppression, and prevention equipment is ready for sea.

  • Are all fire detectors and alarms tested and operational?
  • Are portable fire extinguishers within inspection date and fully charged?
  • Is the fixed fire suppression system (CO2 or equivalent) armed and operational?
  • Are fire hoses, nozzles, and international shore connections accessible and undamaged?
  • Are fire dampers and watertight doors in proper working order?

Stability and Seaworthiness

Assess vessel stability, loading condition, and structural integrity prior to departure.

  • Has the stability calculation been completed and verified for current load?
  • Are all watertight doors and hatches secured and operational?
  • Are bilge systems tested and bilge levels within acceptable limits?
  • Is the vessel freeboard within load line requirements for the voyage zone?
  • Are anchoring systems tested and anchor chains inspected for defects?

Pollution Prevention

Ensure MARPOL compliance and operational readiness of pollution prevention equipment.

  • Is the Oil Record Book (ORB) up to date with all recent entries?
  • Is the oily water separator (OWS) and 15 ppm bilge alarm operational?
  • Is the garbage management plan in place and Garbage Record Book current?
  • Are sewage treatment systems operational or holding tanks at acceptable levels?
  • Are SOPEP (Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan) materials accessible?

Crew and Documentation

Verify crew certifications, documentation, and watch-keeping arrangements are compliant.

  • Are all crew members' STCW certifications valid for the current voyage?
  • Is the safe manning certificate satisfied with current crew complement?
  • Are rest hour records reviewed and hours-of-rest requirements met?
  • Are all vessel certificates (Class, Safety, Load Line) valid and on board?
  • Has a pre-departure safety briefing been conducted with all crew?

Mooring and Deck Equipment

Inspect mooring lines, deck machinery, and gangway systems before departing berth.

  • Are all mooring lines free of chafing, kinking, and deterioration?
  • Is the gangway or accommodation ladder properly secured or removed?
  • Are deck scuppers and freeing ports clear of debris and obstructions?
  • Is the steering gear tested and functioning in all modes (main, auxiliary, emergency)?
  • Are all deck openings, manholes, and ventilators secured for sea?

Related Marine Checklists

Related Vessel Inspection Checklists

Why Use This Vessel Pre-Departure Safety Check Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This vessel pre-departure safety check checklist [free pdf] helps maritime teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for chief officer professionals, this checklist covers 36 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: per event.

Ensures compliance with SOLAS Chapter III – Life-Saving Appliances and Arrangements, USCG 46 CFR Part 122 – Operations, ISM Code IMO Resolution A.741(18), MARPOL Annex I Regulation 13 – Oil Filtering Equipment, IMO MSC/Circ.1091 – Guidelines on Safety during Abandon Ship Drills. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Vessel Pre-Departure Safety Check Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 36 inspection items across 7 sections: Navigation Equipment, Life-Saving Appliances, Fire Safety Equipment, Stability and Seaworthiness, Pollution Prevention, Crew and Documentation, Mooring and Deck Equipment. It is designed for maritime operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per event. Each completion takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

Who should use this Vessel Pre-Departure Safety Check Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Chief Officer professionals in the maritime industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

Browse More Checklists