A beautiful vacation can turn tragic if the yacht you rented is unsafe or the crew is incompetent. While maritime law requires vessels to meet certain standards, enforcement varies wildly between countries. As the renter, you have the right—and the responsibility—to inspect the boat before you leave the dock. Here is a safety checklist every charterer should use.

1. Check the Paperwork. Ask for the yacht’s registration and insurance certificate. Does the policy cover bareboat renters? Does it cover your personal liability? If the answer is vague, walk away. For crewed charters, ask to see the captain’s license (e.g., RYA Yachtmaster or USCG Master license). A captain who hesitates to show credentials is a red flag.

2. Safety Equipment Inventory. Before departure, physically count the life jackets. Do you have sizes for children if necessary? Locate the life raft (check the service date—they expire), the EPIRB (emergency beacon), and the flares. Test the VHF radio to ensure it transmits. In developed nations like the US and UK, this is standard; in Southeast Asia or the Caribbean, you may need to be assertive.

3. The Engine and Through-Hulls. Ask the captain or base mechanic to open the engine compartment. Look for oil leaks, frayed belts, or corrosion. Most fires on boats start with electrical shorts or fuel leaks. Also, ask where the sea strainers and engine intake valves (through-hulls) are. If a hose bursts, knowing how to close the seacock is a life-saving skill. On a bareboat charter, the base should give you a 30-minute engine check walkthrough.

4. Weather and Hurricane Policy. The contract must include a weather contingency clause. If a named storm or hurricane warning is issued, you need the right to cancel or return early without a penalty. Some cheap rental companies keep your money if a hurricane hits. Do not rent from them. Furthermore, ask about the “force majeure” clause—if the boat breaks down mechanically, they must provide a replacement or a prorated refund.

5. The Dinghy and Kill Switch. The small tender (dinghy) is the most dangerous piece of equipment because people treat it casually. Ensure the outboard engine has a kill switch lanyard and that you use it every time. Drowning accidents usually happen not on the big yacht, but when someone falls off a dinghy in the dark. Finally, have a safety brief with all guests on the first night: location of fire extinguishers, man overboard procedure, and the rule that no one pees off the back of the boat in rough seas.