Fishing Safety Checklist
Use this checklist before every fishing trip. It takes 5 minutes and could save your life.
The safety equipment to carry on every fishing trip is a USCG-approved life jacket for each person, a throwable flotation device, a fire extinguisher, visual distress signals, a horn or whistle, a VHF radio, and a stocked marine first aid kit. The full checklist below covers the boat, weather and trip plan too.
Safety equipment for fishing: what to carry on every trip
Flotation
- USCG-approved life jacket for each person
- Children's life jackets if needed
- Throwable flotation device (Type IV)
Required safety equipment
- Fire extinguisher (charged, accessible)
- Visual distress signals (current)
- Sound-producing device (horn or whistle)
- Ventilation system (if enclosed)
- Backfire flame arrestor (gas engines)
Communication and navigation
- VHF radio (tested, Channel 16 monitor)
- Cell phone (charged, waterproof case)
- EPIRB or PLB (registered, tested)
- GPS or chartplotter, paper charts and a compass
First aid and emergency
- Marine first aid kit (stocked)
- Hook removal tools
- Seasickness medication
- Emergency blanket
- Fresh drinking water (extra)
Protective gear
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses)
- Non-slip footwear
- Weather-appropriate clothing
Critical Safety Reminder
This checklist is a guide, not a substitute for proper training and judgment. Always follow local regulations and use common sense on the water.
👤 Personal Safety Equipment
Life Jackets & Flotation
Protective Gear
🚤 Boat & Equipment Safety
Vessel Safety
Required Safety Equipment
📡 Communication & Navigation
Communication Devices
Navigation & Location
🚑 Emergency & First Aid
First Aid Supplies
Emergency Procedures
🌤️ Weather & Trip Planning
Weather Check
Trip Planning
Checklist Complete!
If you've checked all applicable items, you're ready for a safer fishing trip. Remember to review this checklist with all passengers.
Safety Tip: Keep a printed copy of this checklist on your boat and review it before every trip. Consider laminating it for durability.
Fish with a S.A.F.E. captain
Find a conservation-minded Florida Keys fishing charter in the S.A.F.E. charter directory.
Become a S.A.F.E. member
Join the fishermen-led nonprofit working for sustainable fisheries in the Florida Keys and South Atlantic.
Fishing safety questions
What safety equipment do you need for fishing?
Carry a USCG-approved life jacket for each person, a throwable flotation device (Type IV), a charged fire extinguisher, current visual distress signals, a sound-producing device such as a horn or whistle, a tested VHF radio, a charged cell phone in a waterproof case, a registered EPIRB or PLB, and a stocked marine first aid kit.
What should I check on the boat before a fishing trip?
Check that fuel is adequate with a reserve, engine oil and fluid levels are good, the bilge pump works, navigation lights work, and the anchor has adequate rode. Then check the marine weather forecast and small craft advisories, and file a float plan with a responsible person.
How long does the fishing safety checklist take?
About 5 minutes. Use it before every fishing trip and review it with all passengers.
Can I print this fishing safety checklist?
Yes. Use the Print This Checklist button. Keep a printed copy on your boat and review it before every trip. Laminating it helps it last.
✅ Safety Commitment
By using this checklist, you're committing to:
- • Putting safety above catching fish
- • Being prepared for emergencies
- • Looking out for your fishing partners
- • Setting a good example for other anglers