Lesson 2 - Damage & Inventory Check
Overview
In this lesson, we focus on one of the most critical yet often overlooked steps in yacht chartering—the Damage and Inventory Check. Rushing through this step can lead to unexpected costs, missing essential equipment, or even major issues while underway.
By the end of this lesson, you will understand:
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Why a thorough damage and inventory check is essential
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How to systematically inspect your yacht before departure
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What key equipment and systems to verify
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How to document and report any issues to protect yourself
Before You Board – The Dockside First Look
Your yacht might still be getting cleaned or prepped, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start your inspection.
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Take a walk down the dock and locate your yacht.
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Scan the hull from the dock, paying close attention to the bow, stern, and waterline for any scratches, dents, or damage.
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Take timestamped photos of any existing damage before stepping on board.
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Do not rush onboard yet. The crew may still be preparing the yacht, and once luggage or guests are aboard, it’s harder to determine pre-existing damage.
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Wait for the official handover from the charter company. Only you and your co-skipper should board first for an uninterrupted inspection.
Step 1: The Deep Dive Inspection
Once on board, your goal is to check for any missing, broken, or malfunctioning equipment.
How to Approach the Inspection
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Start with a quick scan – Open lockers, compartments, and cabinets to get a feel for what is onboard.
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Use the inventory checklist – Check off each item one by one.
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Mark and report missing or damaged items immediately.
Some items are minor, while others are essential for safety and operation. Here are the most important categories to focus on:
Critical Safety & Navigation Equipment
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First aid kit, flares, and fire extinguishers
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Engine tools, cutters, and emergency repair gear
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Life jackets and safety harnesses
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Dinghy – Ensure it is inflated, the outboard engine starts, and there is fuel
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Boat hook – Simple but essential for mooring
Deck & Hull Inspection
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Fenders – Missing fenders increase the risk of hull damage
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Bent stanchions, pulpit, or pushpit – Signs of past accidents
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Scratches and cracks on the deck and hatches
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Bimini & sprayhood – Check for tears or missing fasteners
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Winches – Spin them to ensure smooth operation
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Anchor windlass – Test it to confirm it functions properly
Technical Checks
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Engine & Propeller – If possible, check under the hull for fouling
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Battery voltage – Unplug shore power and ensure voltage stays above 12.5V
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Chartplotter & instruments – Turn on and verify they work correctly
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Autopilot – Adjust by a few degrees and watch for movement
Heads & Plumbing
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Toilets & holding tanks – Flush to confirm they are functional
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Water tanks – Ensure you know how to switch between them
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Gas & spare gas – Running out mid-week can be a major inconvenience
This inspection should take at least an hour. Skipping it may result in unexpected repair costs or missing essential equipment when you need it most.
Handling Damage & Missing Items
If you find an issue, follow these steps to protect yourself:
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Mark it on the inventory checklist – If it’s not recorded, you could be held responsible later.
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Show the charter technician in person – Verbal acknowledgment is helpful, but written records are better.
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Take timestamped photos or videos – If necessary, email them to the charter company to create a digital record.
Some technicians may dismiss small damages with phrases like “It’s always been like that.” Regardless, ensure it is noted on the checklist.
If you frequently charter with the same company, you may not need to be as meticulous. However, when dealing with a new charter operator, be thorough.
The Technical Induction
Once the damage and inventory check is complete, the charter technician will provide a technical walkthrough of the yacht’s systems.
On busy turnaround days, technicians are often in a hurry. To make the most of this time:
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Have your checklist ready
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Show them any damage you’ve found to ensure it’s logged
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Ask them to walk you through key systems
Critical Systems to Understand
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Water tank switchovers – Running out of water unexpectedly can be frustrating
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Anchor windlass & bow thruster trip switches – Ensure you know how to reset them if they stop working
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Battery isolation & parallel switches – Essential for power management
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Special equipment – If your yacht has air conditioning, a generator, or a water maker, ensure you know how to operate them
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Sails & furling systems – Some require specific handling
This is your last opportunity to ask questions. Once you leave the dock, the responsibility is yours. With the inspection and induction complete, you will sign off on the inventory and receive the boat papers.
Before leaving, perform a final 4P check:
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Power – Unplug the shore power cable
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People – Ensure all crew members are accounted for
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Papers – Carry the boat documents at all times
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Plank – Retrieve the gangway if used
Step 5: The First Sail Check – What Can’t Be Tested in the Marina
Once in open water, test the following systems as soon as possible:
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Sails – Ensure they deploy smoothly and check for any tears
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Propeller – Dive in and check for fouling if necessary
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Steering & navigation instruments – Confirm that everything is functioning correctly
Pro Tip: If anything seems off, call the charter company immediately. Reporting a problem within the first hour increases the likelihood of them accepting that it was not your fault. Delaying could mean you are held responsible.
Key Takeaways
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A thorough damage and inventory check protects you from unexpected repair costs and missing equipment.
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Document everything – Use written checklists, photos, and videos to create proof.
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Report issues immediately – Inform the charter company in person and via email if needed.
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Understand key systems before setting sail – A rushed technical induction could lead to problems later.
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Conduct final checks once underway to confirm everything is working correctly.