Powerboat Checklist: Keeping Track of your Speedboat Documentation

Do you have your powerboat documentation in order? Staying on top of speedboat paperwork can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s possible to easily and efficiently keep track of all of your powerboat records with your own tailored, powerboat checklist to ensure hassle-free boating. By maintaining accurate records that prove ownership, your boat insurance, any registrations, licences, equipment safety certifications etc. you can make sure you are fully prepared for any situation and that you’re never feeling ‘all at sea’ when it comes to your speedboat paperwork. This blog will help you understand the sorts of licences and documentation you’ll need to have handy and what should be included in your own personal powerboat checklist.

Research the UK's laws and regulations for your powerboat

If you're a seasoned powerboat enthusiast, you'll know most of the important regulations and rules that need to be followed.  A UK boat owner would need to register their boat if they are using or keeping it on inland waterways, such as canals or rivers. Certain public launch sites operated by local councils often expect boats to be registered, so make sure you check local by-laws.

Of course, speedboat owners can opt to take additional courses to enhance their boating knowledge and expertise as this will always benefit them when out on the water, as well as those around them.

One such course is the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Powerboat Level 2 course. The RYA website states that the course,

"Provides the skills and background knowledge needed by the competent powerboat driver and is the basis of the International Certificate of Competence. It aims to teach boat handling and seamanship in powerboats. It focuses on low speed close quarters handling, man overboard recovery, an introduction to driving at planing speed, and collision regulations. The course can be taken at an inland or coastal location. It may be conducted in a variety of boat types, both planing and displacement. The certificate issued will be endorsed to show the type of boat in which the training took place."

Ensuring that you're up-to-date on the most current boating knowledge will not only help keep you and your passengers safe, but it will also ensure that you don't run afoul while enjoying your time on the water. So take some time to do your research, and you'll be ready to hit the waves with confidence.

Gather all necessary documentation and keep it in a safe place

Organisation and preparedness are key, especially when it comes to important documentation. It's crucial to gather all necessary paperwork, from travel documents to licences; having them organised and readily available is key when preparing for a trip.

Keeping your documentation in a safe place, such as a fireproof lockbox or drybox, provides peace of mind but we’ve all had experience of desperately searching for a document and not being able to find it. This is where a digital solution could be the answer. Imagine being on board and realising you’ve left a crucial document behind; you don’t want anything getting in the way of your trip and having a digital backup can ensure this won’t happen. MyBoat is our digital boat organiser, where you can keep all of your boating documentation in one, safe place. On top of this, you can set your own reminders for renewing safety equipment etc. and our policyholders can also gain access to a range of discounts from popular marine brands. With MyBoat, you can relax and enjoy the water with peace of mind you’ve got things covered.

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