Launching Procedures

Pre-Launching Preparations

Prepare your boat for launching away from the ramp as a courtesy to others and to prevent rushing during the launch.
Register your boat and pay for the launch at the self-service station.
Ensure that there has been no damage to the boat caused by the trip to the harbor.
Raise the lower unit or outboard so that it will not hit bottom during launching.
Remove trailer tie-downs and make sure that the winch is properly attached to the bow eye and locked in position.
Put the drain plug in securely.
Connect the fuel tank, check fluid levels and safety equipment.
Disconnect the trailer light plug to prevent shorting of electrical system or burning out a bulb.
Attach a line to the bow and the stern of the boat so that the boat cannot drift away after launching and it can be easily maneuvered at the courtesy float.
Visually inspect the launch ramp for hazards such as a steep drop off, slippery areas and sharp objects.
When everything has been double checked, proceed slowly to the ramp remembering that your boat is just resting on the trailer and attached only at the bow.
The ideal situation is to have one person in the boat and one observer at the water's edge to help guide the driver of the tow vehicle.

Launching

Drive to the ramp and observe the directional signage.
Back the boat and trailer down the appropriate ramp.
Keep the rear wheels of the tow vehicle out of the water. This will generally keep the exhaust pipes out of the water. If the exhaust pipes become immersed in the water, the engine may stall.
Set the parking brake and insure the transmission is in park.
Lower the motor and prepare to start the engine (after running blowers and checking for fuel leaks).
Start the boat motor and make sure that water is passing through the engine cooling system.
Release the winch and disconnect the winch line from the bow when the boat operator is ready.
At this point, the boat should launch with a light shove or by backing off the trailer under power.
Return the towing vehicle and trailer to the parking lot as soon as the boat is launched so the next person in line may proceed.
Finish any final loading of your boat at the transient mooring float, away from the launch ramp so that others may continue to use it.

Practice backing your boat and trailer until you are proficient. A ramp is NOT the place to learn how to back a boat trailer!

Retrieval

The steps for removing your boat from the water are basically the reverse of those taken to launch it.
Keep in mind that the following conditions may have changed since you launched your boat:
o Change in wind direction and/or speed.
o Change in current and/or tide.
o Increase in boating traffic.
o Visibility.
Unload the boat at away from the launch ramp.
Maneuver the boat carefully to the submerged trailer, and raise the lower unit of the engine.
Winch the boat onto the trailer and secure it.
Drive the trailer with the boat aboard carefully out of the ramp to the washdown area for cleanup, reloading, and an equipment safety check.
Remove the drain plug to allow water to drain from the bilge.

Safety Equipment

There will be an increased presence in Port Valdez because of heightened security at the pipeline terminal. For your own safety and to ensure an enjoyable trip, make the following preparations to your boat:

Proper display of registration numbers.
Current registration papers onboard.
Personal floatation devices available for each passenger onboard, plus one immediately available throwable floatation device.
At least three approved visual distress signals for day and night use. Check the expiration dates.
At least one type B-1 fire extinguisher for boats up 26 feet in length.
Approved ventilation system for boats with inboard gasoline powered engines.
Backfire flame arrester for carburetor equipped gasoline powered inboard engines.
Sound producing device (whistle, horn, siren, etc.)
Navigation lights between sunset and sunrise.
Pollution and trash placards for boats over 26 feet in length.
Marine sanitation devices must be Coast Guard approved.

To ensure compliance with current state and federal safety equipment requirements, the harbor can arrange a free safety check of your boat with the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Contact the harbor at 835-4981 to schedule an examination at your convenience.

Pre-Launching Preparations Prepare your boat for launching away from the ramp as a courtesy to others and to prevent rushing during the launch. Register your boat and pay for the launch at the self-service station. Ensure that there has been no damage to the boat caused by the trip to the harbor. Raise the lower unit or outboard so that it will not hit bottom during launching. Remove trailer tie-downs and make sure that the winch is properly attached to the bow eye and locked in position. Put the drain plug in securely. Connect the fuel tank, check fluid levels and safety equipment. Disconnect the trailer light plug to prevent shorting of electrical system or burning out a bulb. Attach a line to the bow and the stern of the boat so that the boat cannot drift away after launching and it can be easily maneuvered at the courtesy float. Visually inspect the launch ramp for hazards such as a steep drop off, slippery areas and sharp objects. When everything has been double checked, proceed slowly to the ramp remembering that your boat is just resting on the trailer and attached only at the bow. The ideal situation is to have one person in the boat and one observer at the water's edge to help guide the driver of the tow vehicle.	Launching Drive to the ramp and observe the directional signage. Back the boat and trailer down the appropriate ramp. Keep the rear wheels of the tow vehicle out of the water. This will generally keep the exhaust pipes out of the water. If the exhaust pipes become immersed in the water, the engine may stall. Set the parking brake and insure the transmission is in park. Lower the motor and prepare to start the engine (after running blowers and checking for fuel leaks). Start the boat motor and make sure that water is passing through the engine cooling system. Release the winch and disconnect the winch line from the bow when the boat operator is ready. At this point, the boat should launch with a light shove or by backing off the trailer under power. Return the towing vehicle and trailer to the parking lot as soon as the boat is launched so the next person in line may proceed. Finish any final loading of your boat at the transient mooring float, away from the launch ramp so that others may continue to use it.

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