Vessel Pre-Departure Safety Inspection Checklist
This vessel pre-departure safety inspection checklist ensures compliance with SOLAS Chapter III (Life-Saving Appliances), SOLAS Chapter V/34 (Passage Planning), SOLAS Chapter V/26 (Steering Gear Testing), and port state departure requirements. Designed for Masters and Chief Officers to verify full ship readiness before getting underway from port.
- Industry: Maritime
- Frequency: Per Event
- Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
- Role: Master / Chief Officer
- Total Items: 30
- Compliance: SOLAS Chapter III Life-Saving Appliances, SOLAS Chapter V Safety of Navigation, SOLAS V/34 Passage Planning, SOLAS V/26 Steering Gear Testing Before Departure, Port State Control Pre-Departure Requirements
Life-Saving Appliances
LSA readiness before departure.
- All lifeboats in ready-for-use position and correctly stowed?
- All liferafts hydrostatic releases serviceable and within service date?
- EPIRB armed, battery and hydrostatic release current?
- Immersion suits serviceable and accessible for all crew?
- Lifejackets available for all persons on board including visitors?
Fire Safety Systems
Fire safety readiness.
- Fire detection and alarm system fully operational?
- Fixed firefighting systems (CO2/FM200) seals intact and charged?
- Fire and emergency fire pumps tested operational?
- All SCBA sets fully charged and serviceable?
- All fire doors and dampers operational?
Navigation Equipment
Bridge equipment readiness.
- All radar systems operational?
- ECDIS/charts corrected to latest Notices to Mariners?
- AIS transmitting correctly with current voyage data?
- GPS/GNSS operational and position verified?
- VHF radios including DSC Channel 70 operational?
Propulsion and Steering
Main machinery and steering readiness.
- Main engine ready for immediate use?
- Steering gear tested before departure per SOLAS V/26?
- Anchors in readiness position for departure transit?
- Bow/stern thrusters tested operational (if fitted)?
- All mooring ropes clear of water and properly stowed?
Voyage and Passage Planning
Passage plan and documentation.
- Passage plan prepared berth-to-berth per SOLAS V/34?
- Weather forecast obtained and considered in passage plan?
- Notices to Mariners reviewed for route?
- Port clearance obtained from port authority?
- Pilot arranged for departure channel if required?
Departure Documentation
Required departure records.
- Official logbook entries current?
- Crew list updated and submitted to port authority?
- All vessel certificates valid for upcoming voyage?
- Cargo documentation complete and on board (if applicable)?
- Pre-Departure Notes
Related Maritime Checklists
- Bridge Watchkeeping and STCW Compliance Checklist
- Engine Room Safety and MARPOL Operations Checklist
- Mooring Operations Safety Checklist
- ECDIS Operation and Chart Correction Checklist
- Cargo Loading and Vessel Stability Checklist
- Shipboard Fire Drill and Fire Safety Systems Checklist
- Port State Control (PSC) Inspection Preparation Checklist
- Confined Space Entry Permit-to-Work Checklist (Marine)
Related Vessel Operations Checklists
- Bridge Watchkeeping and STCW Compliance Checklist - FREE Download
- Engine Room Safety and MARPOL Operations Checklist - FREE Download
- Mooring Operations Safety Checklist - FREE Download
- ECDIS Operation and Chart Correction Checklist - FREE Download
- Tug Boat and Towing Operations Safety Checklist - FREE Download
- GMDSS Radio Equipment and Safety Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Pilot Boarding and Marine Pilot Safety Checklist - FREE Download
- Voyage Passage Planning Checklist - FREE Download
- Ship Bunkering and Fuel Oil Transfer Safety Checklist - FREE Download
- Anchoring Operations and Anchor Watch Checklist - FREE Download
Why Use This Vessel Pre-Departure Safety Inspection Checklist?
This vessel pre-departure safety inspection checklist helps maritime teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for master / chief officer professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per event.
Ensures compliance with SOLAS Chapter III Life-Saving Appliances, SOLAS Chapter V Safety of Navigation, SOLAS V/34 Passage Planning, SOLAS V/26 Steering Gear Testing Before Departure, Port State Control Pre-Departure Requirements. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Vessel Pre-Departure Safety Inspection Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Life-Saving Appliances, Fire Safety Systems, Navigation Equipment, Propulsion and Steering, Voyage and Passage Planning, Departure Documentation. 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 1-2 hours.
Who should use this Vessel Pre-Departure Safety Inspection Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Master / 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.