Keep passports, payment cards, charter and provisioning documents, prescription medications, essential electronics, and a change of clothing with you. These legal, medical and trip-critical items remain available if checked luggage is delayed or lost.

An electric bilge pump is normally battery-powered and may start automatically through a float switch. A manual pump is operated by hand and provides an important backup when electrical power fails or additional pumping capacity is needed.

Turn off the propane solenoid first and allow the flame to consume the gas remaining in the supply line. After the flame goes out, turn the burner control off. Follow the specific vessel briefing and manufacturer instructions, and never leave the system pressurized unnecessarily.

The engine-driven alternator produces DC electricity and recharges the boat’s batteries. An inverter takes DC battery power and converts it to AC power for suitable household-style equipment when shore power is unavailable.

Weather helm is the boat’s tendency to turn toward the wind. Excessive heel or poor sail balance can require a large rudder angle to maintain course; that rudder angle creates drag. Reefing and balancing the sail plan can reduce the load.

A large-scale chart shows a smaller geographic area with more detail and is used for harbors and close-quarters piloting. A small-scale chart covers a larger area with less detail and is useful for broad route or passage planning.

Reduce power and check for cooling-water flow. If the temperature continues rising or raw-water discharge is absent, shut the engine down promptly and investigate the intake seacock, raw-water strainer, belt and impeller as appropriate. Never open a hot pressurized cooling system.

A vessel may fly the yellow Q flag from the starboard spreader while requesting clearance. After clearance, the Q flag is removed and the host nation’s courtesy flag is displayed. Entry requirements vary, so follow current local rules and the charter operator’s briefing.

Prop wash is accelerated water from the propeller flowing across the rudder, which can create steering force when moving ahead. Prop walk is the sideways tendency of the stern, most noticeable when reverse gear is first engaged. Controlled bursts of power help a skipper use both effects in tight quarters.

Lead appropriately sized bow lines through the intended mooring eye or pennant arrangement and back to the correct bow cleats without crossing or rubbing against the hull. Protect against chafe, use a secure backup when appropriate, and follow the mooring owner’s and charter company’s instructions.