In Florida heat, pressure climbs as the day warms, so that tiny check list saves headaches later. It takes a minute. It sets the tone for a calm day.
At AI Boats, our rigging crew walks new RIB owners through this same routine before their first launch to ensure boat safety.
Why a checklist matters in Florida
Florida is kind to boaters and also a little wild. You get glassy mornings inside the ICW, tide rips at passes, and pop-up thunderheads after lunch. Sandbars move. Shallow flats look deeper than they are. On busy weekends, the channel crowds up fast. A short list you follow every time keeps the day safe and smooth. This guide focuses on boat safety for Rigid Inflatable Boats. Use it as your pre-departure routine, then go enjoy your stretch of water
Florida Boat Safety: Pre-Departure Checklist for RIBs
People and plans
- Life jackets first. One for every person, sized to fit. Kids put them on at the dock. Keep a throwable cushion or ring where anyone can reach it.
- Float plan. Tell a trusted person who is on board, your route and when you plan to be back. Add your boat description and your radio info if you have it. A quick text works.
- Safety talk. Train your crew on the locations of safety gear and how to use the push-to-talk feature on the radio. If the operator gets sick or falls, slow down, steer straight, pull the red kill-switch clip, and call for help on 16.
Equipment you should check
- VHF radio. Turn it on. Set volume and squelch so the voices are clear. Do a brief radio check if local guidance allows. Keep 16 on for hailing and emergencies and boat safety.
- Signals and lights. Ensure flares are current, bring whistle/horn, test navigation lights for different times of day.
- Health & First Aid Essentials: First-aid necessities: bandages, wipes, gauze, tape, tweezers, pain relief, seasick tablets. Plus, sunscreen, hats and water.
- Anchor and tools. Look over the anchor and the rode. Grab a knife, spare lines, a tool kit, and fuses. A flashlight or headlamp is necessary.
RIB-specific checks
- Tubes. Squeeze each chamber. they should feel solid but with a slight give. Heat raises pressure, so you may let a touch of air out in the afternoon. Check valves, seams, and the rub rail for wear or scuffs that look fresh.
- Structure. Make sure floorboards are seated and secure. Look along the keel for dings. Bring a spare paddle.
- Outboard. Look at the prop for dings. Confirm the small cotter pin is there. Ensure no cracks in fuel line or primer bulb. Attach kill-switch lanyard.
- Materials tip. Many RIBs use Hypalon, a tough rubber fabric that handles sun and heat well. Shade helps. Use cleaners made for it.
Weather and water
- Forecast. Check NOAA marine weather, radar, wind, and lightning chances. Florida often stacks storms after lunch. Know your tides and current for your inlet or pass.
- Local cautions. Shallow flats and hidden bars are common, especially on the Gulf side. Watch for manatee zones and slow as posted. In the Keys, use mooring balls when you can and keep off the reef to ensure boat safety.
Fuel and Power
- Simple fuel rule. One third to go, one third to return, one third in reserve. Add a little extra for wind or detours.
- Batteries. Check the charge. If you run a dual switch, choose the setting you planned for start and house.
- Bilge pump. Tap the switch and make sure the pump runs. Lift the float if you can. It moves water from the low space under the deck.
- Fresh air. Open the fuel area and sniff. If you smell fuel, pause it. Let it air out. Use a blower if your boat has one. Even with portable tanks, give it time to clear.
Onboard readiness
- Stowage and weight. Put heavy gear low and near the center. Respect your capacity limits for boat safety.
- Footwear. Closed-toe shoes or grippy sandals prevent falls on slick decks.
- Sun and hydration. Wear lightweight sun shirts and strap-on hats for better protection. Keep sipping water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
- No alcohol at the helm. Save it for the dock.
A simple launch routine
- Ramp line. Drain plug goes in. Kill-switch clip on the operator. Bow line ready.
- Before start. Battery on. Fuel vent open. Squeeze the primer bulb until it gets firm. Let fumes clear if needed.
- Start up. Neutral. Ensure the control is in neutral, then start the engine. Check for the tell-tale water stream and confirm all gauges read normally for boat safety.
- Radio and lights. VHF is set to 16 for watch. Lights are ready if you need them.
- Lines and roles. One person on the bow line. One on the stern if needed.
- Back down. Remove transom straps. Back the trailer until the RIB floats free to enure boat safety.
- Clear the ramp. Move to the courtesy dock and out of the way. Park the trailer.
- Final check. Life jackets where people can grab them. Gear stowed and make sure everyone is seated and ready.
- Idle out. Mind the no-wake zone and manatee signs.
- Open water. In a clear channel, add throttle slowly and try a gentle S-turn to feel the steering.
If the weather turns on you
- Know when to turn around. Dark clouds stacking up, frequent lightning on radar, whitecaps building fast or visibility dropping. If two of those happen, it is time to head in.
- Pick shelter. Choose the safest short run to a marina, a canal or a shoreline that blocks wind and waves. Do not anchor right under a bridge in lightning to enure boat safety.
- Call for help. Use clear words on channel 16. For a life-threatening emergency say “Mayday.” In an urgent but non-life-threatening situation, use “Pan-Pan” and share boat name, position, issue, people, needs.
- Slow and safe. Jackets on. Lights on if rain or dark move in. Keep the bow into the chop.
How AI Boats helps you stay safe
- Boat Reconditioning
Restore your boat’s look and performance with our Boat Reconditioning service safe, smooth, and ready for the season.
- RIB re-tubing and tube care. Hypalon or PVC, seams and valves. We help you to clean, protect and store.
- Hull Repair
Trust our Hull Repair experts to keep your hull strong, reliable, and sea-ready.
- Shop and compare RIBs. See models that fit Florida water. Stable. Quick to plane. Efficient. Check our inventory.
About AI Boats
AI Boats in Florida focuses on Rigid Inflatable Boats, offering rigging, testing and servicing for local waters. Visit us for inspections, repowers, upgrades and re-tubing. We also host demo rides so you can feel how a RIB handles chops and turns. We care about clean rigging, safe installations and boats that start on the first turn.
Florida RIB Safety FAQ
Q: What tube pressure should I use in summer heat?
A: Start the morning with tubes that feel firm, not rock hard. As the day heats up, pressure rises. Vent a little air if needed, so they stay firm to the touch and inside the maker’s PSI range. Check again after lunch.
Q: RIB outfit for kids?
A: Ensure a child has a properly fitting USCG-approved life jacket, sun protection and non-slip shoes.
Q: Basic first-aid kit contents?
A: Bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, tape, tweezers, simple pain relief, seasick tablets, gloves and a thin emergency blanket. Add aloe gel and extra water for hot days.
Q: How do I file a float plan?
A: Include passengers, boat details, departure time, destination, radio contact, return ETA. Send to reliable contact, update if plans change.
Q: What is the simplest radio call for help?
A: Use channel 16. In case of emergency, say “Mayday” for life-threatening danger or “Pan-Pan” for urgent help. Include boat name, location, problem, number of people aboard, and needs. Speak slowly. Repeat if no one answers
Q: How do I handle manatee zones?
A: Watch for the signs. Slow to the marked speed. Keep a steady line and give manatees space. Avoid sudden throttle bursts.
Q: When should I not go out?
A: If storms are near, small-craft advisories are posted, visibility is poor, or your gut says it is not the day. Florida weather turns fast. Choose safety.
