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Prince William Sound Trip Checklists

Comprehensive checklists for all boats, powerboaters, personal watercraft, and paddlers in the Sound.

Complete Prince William Sound Trip Checklists

Navigating Prince William Sound safely requires specialized marine skills, experience, and careful gear preparation. Because you will be traveling through a remote wilderness area where emergency help can be delayed by hours or days, self-reliance is essential.

The checklists below are designed to help you inspect your vessel and safety gear before starting your trip.

📋 Standard Pre-Departure Checklists

Verify active readiness status by inspecting your vessel and safety gear using these category-specific checklists:

1. Essential Safety Gear (All Vessels)

  • Life Jackets (PFDs): Properly sized, USCG-approved PFD for each person on deck. Keep them on while underway.
  • Engine Cut-off Lanyard: Functional and attached to the operator.
  • Re-boarding Device: Swim platform, ladder, or sling ready.
  • VHF Marine Radio: DSC-enabled marine radio programmed with active MMSI.
  • Emergency Beacon: 406MHz EPIRB or PLB carried on person.
  • Sound Signals: High-decibel whistle and handheld foghorn.
  • Visual Distress: Fresh USCG-approved day/night signals (e.g., flares) and signal mirrors.
  • Manual Bailing: Hand pump or bucket ready in addition to electric bilge.
  • Navigation: Up-to-date NOAA charts, compass, and GPS.
  • First Aid: Marine first-aid kit stored in a dry bag.
  • Survival Rations: Tent, sleeping bags, and 24-hour extra food.
  • Coastal Layers: Rain gear, synthetic layers (no cotton), hats, and gloves.

2. Additional Gear for Powerboats

  • Anchor & Rode: High-holding anchor with chain lead and deep-water line.
  • The 1/3 Fuel Rule: Verified 1/3 out, 1/3 back, 1/3 in reserve.
  • Water/Fuel Separator: Clean filter installed to block condensation.
  • Engine Spares: Spare propeller, prop nut kit, spark plugs, and toolset.
  • Float Plan: Filed detailed float plan with a shoreside emergency contact.
  • Passenger Brief: All souls briefed on emergency controls and VHF use.

3. Additional Gear for Personal Watercraft (PWC)

  • Snug-Fitting PFD: USCG-approved for high-speed PWC operation.
  • Thermal Protection: Full dry suit or 2-3mm neoprene wetsuit.
  • Safety Gear: Helmet and protective marine goggles.
  • Engine Lanyard: Clipped securely to operator’s wrist or life jacket.
  • Re-boarding Practice: Operator has verified deep-water self-rescue.

4. Additional Gear for Sea Kayak / Paddlers

  • Spray Skirt: Properly fitted to cockpits to keep out water.
  • Capsizing Preparedness: Dry suit or premium wet suit (no cotton).
  • Rescue Gear: Paddle float, manual bilge pump, stirrup/leash.
  • High Visibility: Bright red/orange/yellow hulls and clothing.
  • Weather Limit: Wind under 15 knots and wave chop under 1 foot.

Complete Trip Checklist Descriptions

Here are the detailed safety descriptions and regulatory backgrounds for each major equipment classification. Use these to verify why each item is critical to PWS operations:

1. Life Jackets (PFDs)

You must carry a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for every person on board, and they must be appropriately sized. State laws in Alaska dictate that children under the age of 13 must wear their PFD whenever they are on an open deck or in an open vessel. Because cold shock makes putting on a life jacket in the water almost impossible, keep them on while underway.

2. Communication Devices (VHF & EPIRBs)

Do not depend on mobile phones, as cellular service is highly unreliable in most parts of the Sound. Make sure you carry a waterproof handheld VHF radio with DSC capability, along with emergency beacons like EPIRBs or PLBs. These devices communicate directly with satellite search-and-rescue systems, enabling quick dispatch of Coast Guard assistance.

3. Thermal Protection (Dry Suits & Wetsuits)

Paddlers and PWC operators are constantly exposed to the cold elements. Always dress for cold-water immersion by wearing a wet suit or dry suit. Standard cotton garments (such as sweatshirts or jeans) are highly dangerous because they hold water close to the skin and accelerate heat loss.

4. Wilderness Layering & Clothing Policies

When packing for a Prince William Sound excursion, follow a strict No Cotton Policy. Wet cotton clothing does not dry well in cold marine environments and draws heat away from the body core. Recommended gear includes:

  • Synthetic or wool base layers.
  • Insulating mid-layers made of wool or heavy fleece.
  • High-quality, windproof, and waterproof rain gear.
  • Dry bags to store spare clothing, gloves, and warm hats.
  • Insect head nets and repellent for protection against forest bugs in remote coves.

State and federal maritime safety regulations require all recreational motorboats with a transom height of 20 inches or more to be equipped with a functional re-boarding system. This includes swim steps, ladders, or sling devices, allowing an in-water passenger to climb back on deck unassisted.

6. PWC & Paddler Special Equipment Mappings

  • PWC Exposure Suit Mandate: PWC riders must wear a dry suit or a neoprene wet suit of at least 2-3mm thickness to protect against wind chill and sudden falls.
  • Kayaker Buoyancy Bags: Open canoes are not recommended for the Sound; use closed decked sea kayaks. If your kayak lacks watertight bulkheads, install inflatable buoyancy bags in the bow and stern to displace water in a capsize.
  • Paddler Chop Limits: To avoid swamping, kayakers should avoid open water crossings when winds exceed 15 knots or waves exceed 1 foot.

7. Online Safety Registrations & Bookings

Mariners are encouraged to check safety resources and complete proper training before departure:

  • Glacier Ranger District Office: Contact the district office in Girdwood at 907-783-3242 for updates on Forest Service public cabin guidelines.
  • Glacier Cabin Bookings: Book public use cabins online at Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.