Use this checklist as a guide to the materials and conditions you should have for a boating trip. Your needs will vary depending on the type of boat, the water you will be in, and the activities planned. Add to the list as needed.

Print checklist ( 44 KB)

Items Required by Montana or Federal Law

• Wearable Life Jackets (Types I, II or III)
• Throwable PFD (Type IV for boats 16' or longer)
• Fire Extinguisher(s) (motorboats)
• Backfire Flame Arrester (motorboats)
• entilation System (motorboats)
• Whistle or Horn
• Navigational Lights
• Registration Document
• Boat Number, Permanent Decal and Validation Decals

Pre-launch Checklist

• Complete check for leaks; boat plug in
• Motor in good operating condition
• Propeller in good condition
• Fuel tanks full
• Suitable weather and water conditions
• Passengers seated and briefed on emergency procedures; life jackets checked for fit
• Properly stored and secured gear
• Float plan left with responsible person on shore

Emergency Gear

• Throw Rope/Bag
• Signaling Mirror
• Whistle (on life jacket)
• Light/Strobe (on life jacket)
• Rescue Blanket
• Extra Warm Hats, Mittens, Socks
• Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
• Matches (in a waterproof container), Lighter or Flint and Steel
• Fire Starter
• Water Purification Tablets, Filter or Purifier
• Distress Signal Devices
• Emergency Food and Water
• Dry Bag(s)

Personal Comfort Items

• Sunglasses
• Sun Screen
• Hat
• Food
• Water
• Cooler
• Warm Clothes
• Seat Cushion(s)
• Drysuit or Wetsuit & Boots
• Insect Repellant
• Binoculars

Recommended Items

• Dewatering Device (bucket, bailer, bilge pump)
• Anchor and Line
• Mooring Lines
• Extra Lines
• Toolkit or Multipurpose Tool
• Navigation Equipment (maps, compass, GPS)
• Extra Paddle/Oar
• Spare Parts (as appropriate)
• Spare Prop (motorboats)
• Weather Radio
• Knife
• Flashlight/Spotlight (with working batteries)
• Communications Ability (VHF radio, CB radio, cell phone, satellite phone, 2-way radios)
• First Aid Kit (in watertight, floating container)
• Prescription Medicine
• Repair Kit/Duct Tape
• Boat Hook
• Extra fuel/oil (motorboats)
• A clean boat (remove mud and vegetation so aquatic nuisance species are not transported)