Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) are trusted for their stability, performance, and versatility – but safe boating always starts with preparation.
Whether you’re cruising the harbour, heading offshore, or crossing a coastal bar, following a clear safety checklist helps ensure every trip on your inflatable boat is enjoyable, confident, and stress-free.
Use this rigid inflatable boat safety checklist before every outing to protect your passengers, your vessel, and your time on the water.
Rigid Inflatable Boat Safety Checklist
1. Always Wear Your Kill Cord
Wearing your engine kill cord is one of the simplest and most effective safety measures on a RIB boat – or any boat for that matter.
If the skipper is unexpectedly thrown from the helm, the kill cord automatically stops the engine, preventing a runaway inflatable boat and reducing the risk of serious injury.
Best practice: Clip it on every time you operate the boat.
2. Wear Lifejackets
Lifejackets are an essential safety item on all boats. It’s important that you carry a correctly sized lifejacket for every passenger. It is strongly recommended that you wear lifejackets when crossing coastal bars, operating in rough or changing conditions, challenging at speed, and boating with children.
Lifejackets are easy and lightweight to wear, and can be the difference between a close call and serious incident on the water.
3. Protect Yourself From The Sun
Sun exposure on the water is significantly higher due to reflection from the surface. Before leaving the dock, ensure everyone onboard has sun-protective hats, sunscreen, and adequate drinking water to stay hydrated. Even better if your inflatable boat has sun coverage from a bimini sun shade or hard top.
4. Carry The Required Safety Equipment
All rigid inflatable boats must carry safety equipment suited to their operating area and local regulations.
Your inflatable boat safety checklist should include:
- Fire-fighting equipment
- Signalling device
- Anchor
- Paddles or oars
- EPIRB
- Flares
- V-sheet
Check expiry dates and functionality regularly, and ensure equipment is easy to access in an emergency.
5. Stick to Speed Limits and Local Conditions
RIB boats are capable of impressive performance, but speed should always be appropriate for the conditions. Make sure to observe local speed limits, reduce speed in busy waterways and adjust your pace for visibility, sea state, and traffic.
Safe speed ensures better control, improved reaction time, and a more comfortable ride for everyone onboard.
6. Check the Weather Before and During Your Trip
Weather conditions can change quickly, especially in coastal and offshore environments. Before heading out, review the marine forecast, understand wind, swell, and tide conditions. While out on the water, monitor weather updates, watch for changes in sea state and be prepared to return early if conditions deteriorate.
7. Remember: The Skipper Is Responsible
The skipper of a rigid inflatable boat is legally and practically responsible for the safety of everyone onboard. This includes setting a comfortable and safe pace, making conservative decisions when needed and ensuring passengers feel confident in the conditions.
If someone onboard feels uneasy, it’s always worth reassessing the plan. A safe trip is a successful trip.
A Great Day on the Water Is a Safe One
Rigid inflatable boats are built for adventure, performance, and family enjoyment, but safety is what allows those moments to happen with confidence.
At Grand Inflatable Boats, every RIB is thoughtfully designed to support safe, comfortable boating, so you can focus on what matters most: enjoying the journey.