The Offshore Delivery Protocol

 How we prepare for ocean crossings at Sailing Munich.

Delivery sailing is not a holiday. It is a technical mission. When we move a vessel across the Mediterranean or the Atlantic, we are not chasing sunsets, we are managing risk. The boat is often new to the crew, the maintenance history is unknown, and the ocean is the ultimate auditor. It will find every loose screw, every old hose, and every weak shackle. If you miss these details at the dock, you will inevitably face them in the dark, usually with 30 knots of wind.

In my 30 years as a captain and instructor, I have seen that most standard checklists are designed for coastal holidays. They focus on inventory and comfort. They ensure you do not lose the cutlery. An Offshore Delivery Checklist is different. It is about survival and structural integrity. It assumes that systems will fail and prepares the crew to handle those failures.

At Sailing Munich, we operate with a specific mindset: The error does not happen at sea, it happens at the dock when we fail to inspect a critical component.

Below is the exact protocol I use for every delivery. It covers the "No Go" items that keep us at the port, from rigging integrity to the steering cables and through-hulls. Adapt this to your vessel, print it, and never leave the dock until every box is honestly ticked.

OFFSHORE DELIVERY MASTER MANIFESTO

v.2026.1 | Sailing Munich Standard

1. VESSEL & MISSION PROFILE

VESSEL NAME	________________________________
MAKE / MODEL	________________________________
LOA / BEAM / DRAFT	________________________________
FLAG / REGISTRATION	________________________________
---	---
DEPARTURE PORT	________________________________
ARRIVAL PORT	________________________________
ETD	___ / ___ / ____
ETA	___ / ___ / ____
---	---
OWNER	________________________________
OWNER CONTACT	________________________________
AGENT / SHORE CONTACT	________________________________
---	---
SKIPPER	________________________________
CREW 1	________________________________
CREW 2	________________________________
CREW 3	________________________________
CREW 4	________________________________

2. CRITICAL WAYPOINTS & ROUTE PLAN

(List key navigational points, safe havens, and hazards)

WP 1 (Departure)	________________________________
WP 2	________________________________
WP 3	________________________________
WP 4	________________________________
WP 5	________________________________
WP 6 (Arrival)	________________________________
---	---
Safe Haven 1	________________________________
Safe Haven 2	________________________________
Safe Haven 3	________________________________

Weather Routing Agreement:

·         [ ] GANDALF / PredictWind / Windy / Sail Grib

·         [ ] Forecasts checked for next 7 days

·         [ ] Escape routes defined

3. PRE‑DEPARTURE CHECKLIST

[A] PAPERWORK & LEGAL (NO‑GO ITEMS)

·         [ ] Vessel title, bill of sale, or owner's authority letter

·         [ ] Current registration and company papers onboard

·         [ ] Flag state and customs documents valid for all ports of call

·         [ ] Insurance policy valid for offshore delivery, including hull, crew, and liability

·         [ ] Skipper listed as insured / authorized operator

·         [ ] Crew list: 5 printed copies + digital PDF sent to shore contact

·         [ ] Crew passports valid >6 months + required visas / e‑visas

·         [ ] CREW°ID / STCW / Yachtmaster certificates (if applicable)

·         [ ] AIS / VHF / HF station licenses (if fitted)

·         [ ] Customs / immigration letters prepared for ports of entry

·         [ ] Funds: Cash (USD/EUR) + credit cards + emergency cash in separate pouch

[B] HULL & UNDERWATER (HAUL OUT OR DIVE RECOMMENDED)

·         [ ] Hull for soft growth, cracks, blisters, osmosis or damage

·         [ ] Keel (fin / bilge) clean, no cracks, no dents, no loose fittings

·         [ ] Keel bolts inspected (bilge dry, no rust weeping, no cracks on backing plates)

·         [ ] Rudder: check bearing play (push/pull test), no cracking at base

·         [ ] Rudder stocks / bearings inspected if accessible

·         [ ] Propeller: clean, no damage, no bent blades, no loose key

·         [ ] Saildrive / shaft: no fishing lines, no play, drip‑less gland / stuffing box set correctly

·         [ ] Cutlass bearing inspected and tight

·         [ ] Shaft / propeller line: no vibration or misalignment

·         [ ] Through‑hulls (seacocks):

o    All valves operational (open/close)

o    Wooden bungs attached to each vital valve

o    Marked clearly (open/closed)

o    Double‑clamped hoses below waterline

·         [ ] Seacocks: all labeled with "open in port" vs "open at sea"

·         [ ] All skin fittings and valves secured with hose clamps and safety wire

·         [ ] Bilge: clean, clear of debris, no unexpected water

·         [ ] Bilge pump hoses inspected for brittleness or leaks

·         [ ] Ground tackle inspected:

o    Anchor(s) onboard, type and weight recorded

o    Anchor chain: length, condition, marking, no stiff links

o    Chain locker clean, bitter end secured

o    Anchor windlass: controls, power source, tested operation

[C] RIGGING & SAILS (ALOFT INSPECTION MANDATORY)

Standing Rigging

·         [ ] Shrouds and stays: no corrosion, no broken wires, no kinks

·         [ ] Turnbuckles and fittings: no cracking, no frozen threads

·         [ ] Tangs and chainplates: no cracks, no elongation

·         [ ] Swages inspected for cracks (dye‑penetrant if suspicious)

·         [ ] Cotter pins / split pins: all installed, taped or siliconed to prevent sail tear

·         [ ] Extra rigging pins and spares onboard

Spars & Boom

·         [ ] Mast base and step: no cracking, no movement

·         [ ] Masthead: no broken tangs, no loose fittings

·         [ ] Boom: no cracks, no loose fittings at gooseneck

·         [ ] Topping lift, vang, preventer: all strong and in good condition

·         [ ] Chafe protection on halyards, topping lift, and high‑friction points

Running Rigging

·         [ ] Halyards: chafe checked at masthead and cockpit

·         [ ] Genoa / jib sheets: inspect for abrasion and soft‑spliced eyes

·         [ ] Main sheets / outhaul / boom vang / cunningham / traveller: all operational

·         [ ] Reefing lines: clean, no kinks, no chafe at sheaves

·         [ ] Lazy jacks / stackpack: all rings and slugs in place

Sails

·         [ ] Main and headsails: hoist at dock; check for UV damage, stitching, reef points

·         [ ] Batten pockets: all battens present, no broken or missing slugs

·         [ ] Leech lines, headboards, clews: all secure

·         [ ] Storm sails:

o    Storm jib or trysail tested and ready

o    Storm jib on its own tack line and separate track / stay

o    All reef points and reinforcing panels sound

·         [ ] Spinnaker / code sails (if carried): inspected for UV and stitching

·         [ ] Sail repair kit: needles, sail tape, webbing, adhesive, sailmaker's fids

[D] ENGINE & PROPULSION ("THE IRON WIND")

·         [ ] Engine oil level and condition: clean, no metal flakes

·         [ ] Engine coolants levels and condition: no milky appearance

·         [ ] Fuel tank levels full and vented, no algae / sludge

·         [ ] Fuel filters:

o    Racor / primary filters drained

o    Secondary filters inspected

o    Brand and model recorded

·         [ ] Fuel tanks: sample taken; no water or "bug"

·         [ ] Fuel lines: no cracks, no fuel smell, no leaks

·         [ ] Engine belts: tension correct, no cracks, no fraying

·         [ ] Spare belts purchased to match engine model and part numbers

·         [ ] Impeller:

o    Inspected under cover

o    2 spare impellers onboard

o    Impeller puller tool onboard

·         [ ] Raw‑water pump: correct rotation, no leaks

·         [ ] Exhaust elbow and riser: no rust penetration, no carbon blockage

·         [ ] Engine mounts: no cracks, no broken bolts

·         [ ] Shift mechanism: smooth engagement, no grinding

·         [ ] Throttle and gear‑shift controls: smooth movement, no rust or binding

·         [ ] Propeller shaft coupling: no axial play, no cracked coupling

·         [ ] Saildrive / transmission oil: correct level and color

·         [ ] Engine battery: fully charged, terminals clean and tight

·         [ ] Engine start: smooth start, no knocking or unusual noises

·         [ ] Engine run: at least 15 minutes at cruising RPM, check:

o    Water discharge

o    Oil pressure

o    Temperature

o    No unusual vibrations

·         [ ] Engine documents: wiring diagram, manual, service records onboard

Spares Box (Engine / Mechanical)

·         [ ] Engine oil (5 L)

·         [ ] Coolant (5 L)

·         [ ] Fuel filters (primary and secondary)

·         [ ] Oil filters (if applicable)

·         [ ] Hose clamps (assorted)

·         [ ] Zip ties, electrical tape, duct tape

·         [ ] Engine gaskets / seals (if available)

·         [ ] Multi‑tool and basic hand tools (wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers)

[E] SAFETY & SURVIVAL (SOLAS–GRADE)

Life Raft & Man‑Over‑Board (MOB)

·         [ ] Life raft: service date valid, hydrostatic release active, davit or painter ready

·         [ ] Life‑raft stowage: accessible in <15 seconds, painter led correctly

·         [ ] MOB grab bag/ditch bag:

o    Waterproof bag prepared

o    Contents: passports, medical notes, sat phone/pad, handheld VHF, spare GPS, energy bars, water, first‑aid basics

·         [ ] Dan buoy / life ring: light working, drogue attached, accessible

·         [ ] EPIRB:

o    Test mode passed

o    Registration and MMSI current

o    Mounted or stowed accessible

·         [ ] Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs): tested and registered

·         [ ] Flares:

o    Red hand flares, parachute flares, smoke markers

o    Within expiry, stowed accessible

·         [ ] Fog signaling device (hand fog horn or electric)

·         [ ] Safety harnesses and life jackets:

o    One per person, correctly sized

o    Crotch straps checked, no UV damage

o    Whistles attached

Fire Safety

·         [ ] Fire extinguishers:

o    Pressure indicator green

o    Shaken and inspected

o    Locations marked (galley, engine room, cockpit)

o    Correct type (ABC)

·         [ ] Fire blanket: installed near stove

·         [ ] Engine compartment:

o    Automatic fire extinguisher (if fitted)

o    No fuel leaks

·         [ ] CO / smoke detectors: tested, batteries checked

Boarding & Safety Lines

·         [ ] Lifelines: strong, no chafe, no broken fittings

·         [ ] Jacklines:

o    Continuous from bow to stern

o    Attached to strong points (not cleats)

o    Low chafe, no loose fittings

·         [ ] Stanchions: all bases secure

·         [ ] Companionway:

o    Boarding ladder or swim platform checked

o    Safety net / lifeline at companionway if used

Bilge Pumps & Flooding

·         [ ] Manual bilge pump: operational, no blockages

·         [ ] Electric bilge pump(s):

o    Tested with water in bilge

o    Auto switches tested

o    High‑water alarm tested

o    Backup pump or bailers onboard

·         [ ] Emergency bungs and plugs:

o    All through‑hulls and sea screws covered

o    Emergency wood plugs and hose‑clamps marked and accessible

[F] ELECTRICAL & POWER

DC Electrical

·         [ ] House battery bank:

o    Tested under load (voltage drop)

o    Terminals clean, tight, and corrosion‑free

·         [ ] Engine start battery: charged and secure

·         [ ] Battery switches: all operational, labeled

·         [ ] Battery capacity vs power budgets:

o    Navigation lights

o    Instruments

o    Autopilot

o    Comms (VHF, sat phone)

o    Chartplotter, radar, etc.

·         [ ] Fuses / fuse block: all correct size, spares labeled

·         [ ] Wiring:

o    No exposed wires

o    No overheating signs

o    No chafed or loose connections

Charging Systems

·         [ ] Alternator:

o    Output voltage measured at cruising RPM

o    Belt tension correct

o    Spare belts onboard

·         [ ] Solar panels / wind generator:

o    Clean and operational

o    Regulator set correctly

·         [ ] Charger / inverter:

o    AC input and outputs tested

o    Safety grounding correct

Lights

·         [ ] Navigation lights:

o    Tricolor, steaming light, stern light

o    Visual check at night

o    Bulbs or LEDs in working order

o    Spare bulbs onboard

·         [ ] Anchor light: tested

·         [ ] Interior lights: all working, switches labeled

·         [ ] Handheld lights / torches:

o    Waterproof

o    Spare batteries or USB charging

Autopilot & Navigation Electronics

·         [ ] Autopilot:

o    Test "hard over" time and damping

o    Rudder/ram bolts checked

o    Hydraulic fluid level (if applicable)

o    Emergency manual steering reviewed

·         [ ] Chartplotter:

o    Route loaded and waypoints named

o    Depths and tides checked

·         [ ] GPS:

o    Primary and backup units

o    Waypoints for all safe havens

o    Cross‑checked with paper charts

·         [ ] Radar: tested, range and clutter settings noted

·         [ ] Depth sounder: calibrated

·         [ ] Wind / speed instruments: calibrated

·         [ ] Hand‑bearing compass: tested and deviation card reviewed

Spares & Tools

·         [ ] Multimeter

·         [ ] Crimping tool and spare terminals

·         [ ] Fuses (all sizes)

·         [ ] Wire cutters and connectors

·         [ ] Spare bulbs and LED modules

·         [ ] Electrical tape and heat‑shrink tubing

[G] CATAMARAN SPECIALS (MULTIHULL ONLY)

·         [ ] Cross‑beams and bridgedeck:

o    No stress cracks

o    No corrosion on alloy sections

o    No loose fittings

·         [ ] Hull‑to‑crossbeam joints: inspected for creaking or movement

·         [ ] Structural connectors and striker bars: tight and secure

·         [ ] Steering linkage:

o    Crossbar/tie‑rod checked for play

o    No cracked fittings

·         [ ] Rudder bearings:

o    Minimal play

o    No water ingress

·         [ ] Main engine alternator belt: spare belt installed or checked

·         [ ] Escape hatches:

o    Open/close test

o    Seals lubricated

o    No silicone sealing them shut

o    Emergency exit route clear

·         [ ] Cabin doors / hatches:

o    All latches functional

o    No leaks when hosed

·         [ ] Sagging deck:

o    No delamination or flexing

o    No "soft" spots

[H] PROVISIONING & COMFORT

Water

·         [ ] Fresh‑water tanks: full

·         [ ] Tank capacity and consumption calculated for passage

·         [ ] Additional 20 L emergency jerry can onboard

·         [ ] Water maker:

o    Tested

o    Spares and filters checked

Fuel

·         [ ] Diesel tanks: full

·         [ ] Range calculated at cruising RPM + 20% reserve

·         [ ] Extra diesel in jerry cans, firmly lashed

·         [ ] Fuel‑tank venting and filters checked

Galley

·         [ ] Gas system:

o    2 bottles full

o    Solenoid shut‑off tested

o    Hose condition checked

o    No gas smell

·         [ ] Stove gimbal and fiddles: working

·         [ ] Stove spark‑igniter or matches available

·         [ ] Fire extinguisher within reach of galley

·         [ ] Cooking pots, utensils, and tools sufficient for passage

Food & Provisions

·         [ ] Passage‑length food calculated (minimum 1.5x estimated days)

·         [ ] High‑energy bars, nuts, and snacks

·         [ ] Instant meals, coffee, tea, sugar

·         [ ] Water filters or purification tablets

·         [ ] Trash bags and a waste management system

Tools & Spares

·         [ ] General tools:

o    Hacksaw (for rigging or cutting)

o    Vise‑grips / locking pliers

o    WD‑40 or similar penetrating spray

o    Duct tape, zip ties

o    Wood blocks, rope, and webbing

·         [ ] Rigging tools:

o    Cotter‑pin punch

o    Sail‑sewing tools

§  Sail tape, needles, thread

o    Lifeline‑splicing tools

[I] COMMUNICATIONS & NAVIGATION

·         [ ] VHF radio:

o    Channel 16 monitored

o    DSC tested

o    Battery‑backed handheld VHF onboard

·         [ ] Satellite phone / messenger:

o    Airtime active

o    Address / contact list loaded

o    Emergency contacts pre‑programmed

·         [ ] HF / SSB (if fitted):

o    Station license current

o    Call sign and procedures briefed

·         [ ] Navtex / weatherfax (if installed): basics reviewed

·         [ ] Weather routing app:

o    Account and subscription active

o    Route updated daily

[J] CREW & PASSAGE PLANNING

·         [ ] Passage plan:

o    Charted and plotted

o    Waypoints checked against GPS

o    Tidal gates and currents reviewed

·         [ ] Watch system:

o    Watch schedule written

o    Handover and emergency procedures briefed

·         [ ] Crew briefing:

o    Safety gear locations

o    Emergency procedures (man overboard, fire, flooding, abandon ship)

o    Roles and responsibilities

·         [ ] Crew clothing:

o    Waterproof jackets and trousers

o    Gloves, hats, sunglasses

o    Non‑skid deck shoes

o    Thermal layers for night

4. SKIPPER'S FINAL SIGN‑OFF

"I verify that I have inspected the vessel and deem it seaworthy for the intended passage. All safety gear has been inspected and briefly explained to the crew. I acknowledge responsibility for the safe conduct of the delivery."

Skipper Signature: ___________________________

Date: ___ / ___ / ____

Sailing Munich | Offshore Safety Standards | v.2026.1

Offshore Delivery Master Manifesto.pdf

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