Systems Knowledge

Be familiar with the onboard systems and perform basic checks.

Rigging

Inspect the rigging for frayed lines, missing ring-dings and cotter pins
Inspect the roller furler drum to make sure the line is not fouled
Inspect the shrouds, backstay and forestay for too much play or broken wire strands
Check the blocks and sheaves to locate broken or damaged ones
Inspect the mainsail traveler and the cleats
Inspect the winches for proper operation and locate the winch handles
Make sure the reefing line is attached at least to the first level
Check the halyard shackle for proper operation
Install telltales on the shrouds
Inspect the boom gooseneck attachment
Make sure the anchor is present and attached to the rode and to the boat
Check the lifelines
Mount the throwable/horseshoe at the stern rail and tie it to the boat
Secure the swim ladder
Put up the bimini/dodger if needed or stow away if not

Diesel Engine

Locate the major components on an small diesel engine and describe their functions
Locate the alternator
Locate the seacock and raw water sea pump
Locate the fresh water pump and coolant/header tank
Locate the starter motor and identify the ignition wire and battery wire
Locate the exhaust elbow and describe its function
Locate the fuel hoses, pumps, and filters and describe their functions
Describe the basic 4-cycle diesel process and how it differs from gasoline engines
Check the oil
Check the coolant
Inspect the belt tension and adjust
Check the fuel level, locate the deck fuel fill cap
Describe the safety protocol for re-fueling the boat
Describe the steps to start the engine, check for water discharge
Describe the engine controls and proper procedure to shift gears
Reduce throttle to idle for a few seconds, shift to neutral, wait for a few seconds to let the prop rotation to stop, shift into gear, throttle up
Locate the engine key and describe how to start
Be familiar with the engine warm-up protocol, oil pressure alarm etc
Describe prop walk, prop rotation and how it affects the boat
Refuel the boat safely at a nearby station (Rusty Scupper)

Electrical Systems

Locate the batteries and identify which one is the starting and which one is the house battery
Describe what is meant by amp-hours and CCA
Describe two different types of battery technology commonly used today
Describe how to determine the charge level of the battery by checking the voltage
Describe the difference between connecting batteries in parallel and in series
Locate the battery switch and describe its operation
Locate the electrical control panel and switches
Turn on/off the navigation lights and describe which ones to use at night
Locate the inverter and describe its function and proper usage
Locate the bilge pump and describe two different modes of operation
Locate the VHF radio and describe what is meant by line-of-sight transmission and why antenna height matters
Describe the radio usage protocol in emergencies and non-emergency situations, channels to use etc.
Locate the solar panel and charge controller and describe how to connect it

Head and Galley