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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

Safe and enjoyable boating in Prince William Sound depends entirely on knowledge, skill, and thorough preparation. In a remote wilderness where help is often hours or days away, boaters must be as self-reliant as possible.

Use these comprehensive checklists, compiled from the State of Alaska Office of Boating Safety, to inspect your gear and prepare your vessel before leaving the driveway.

📋 Interactive Pre-Departure Checklist

Select your vessel type, complete the inspection by checking off each safety item, and verify your vessel’s active readiness status.

Pre-Departure Formulator

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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)

One properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket is required for every person on board. Under Alaska state law, children under 13 must wear a life jacket at all times in an open boat or on deck. In PWS’s cold water, putting a life jacket on after falling overboard is nearly impossible due to the cold shock gasp reflex.

2. Communication Devices (VHF & EPIRBs)

Cell phone coverage is spotty or nonexistent in the Sound. Waterproof, handheld VHF-FM radios with DSC and high-power emergency beacons (EPIRBs/PLBs) are mandatory for safety. They connect directly to satellite tracking systems to dispatch Coast Guard helicopters immediately.

3. Thermal Protection (Dry Suits & Wetsuits)

For PWC and sea kayak operators, exposure is continuous. Dress strictly for immersion—a dry suit or premium neoprene wetsuit is required. Cotton clothing (including jeans and cotton hoodies) absorbs water, accelerates cooling, and is strictly prohibited in Alaska.

4. Wilderness Layering & Clothing Policies

Wilderness travel in Prince William Sound requires strict adherence to the No Cotton Policy. Cotton fibers absorb water easily, dry extremely slowly, and draw body heat away from the skin (causing rapid hypothermia). All boaters and campers must pack:

  • Synthetic thermal underwear (polypropylene or polyester).
  • Mid-layers made of heavy fleece or wool.
  • Full high-quality waterproof rain gear with sealed hoods.
  • Extra warm clothing (including wool socks, beanies, and gloves) sealed in heavy-duty waterproof dry bags.
  • Insect head nets and DEET spray to withstand dense forest bug swarms in wilderness coves.

Under state and federal maritime codes, all recreational motorboats with a transom height exceeding 20 inches are legally required to be equipped with a functional re-boarding device. This means a swim platform, boarding ladder, or heavy-duty step-sling that allows an in-water victim to climb back on deck without assistance, preventing OOM (out of motor) hypothermia casualties.

6. PWC & Paddler Special Equipment Mappings

  • PWC Exposure Suit Mandate: Due to constant high-speed exposure and wind chill, all personal watercraft riders in the Sound must wear a dry suit or a minimum 2-3mm neoprene wet suit to survive sudden deep-water fall-offs.
  • Kayaker Buoyancy Bags: Open canoes are strongly discouraged in PWS. Sea kayakers must use decked boats. If the kayak lacks built-in watertight bulkheads, it must be fitted with inflatable bow and stern displacement bags to displace water in the event of a capsize.
  • Paddler Chop Limits: To prevent swamping, sea kayakers should never attempt open crossings if winds exceed 15 knots or wave chop exceeds 1 foot.

7. PledgeToLive.org & Boating Safety Training

mariners are urged to register their float plans on PledgeToLive.org and complete approved skills-based training before cruising the Sound:

  • Glacier Ranger District Office: Contact the Glacier Ranger District office in Girdwood at 907-783-3242 to align on Forest Service public cabin permit rules.
  • Glacier Cabin Bookings: Reservations for the Chugach Forest cabins can be booked toll-free at 877-444-6777 or online at Recreation.gov.