# Pre-departure and post-trip operating checklist

Create a repeatable service record tied to the actual vessel and captain.

Original Louisiana Deep Sea Fishing planning worksheet. Prepared October 22, 2026. Editable example, not an official agency form, contract, legal opinion, inspection or certification. No signup is required.

Prepared by: __________  Planning date: __________  Version: __________

## Before arrival

- Reservation, actual vessel/captain and accepted offer: __________

- Guest preparation, licenses and meeting instructions: __________

- Current rules, documents and reporting triggers: __________

- Known defects, required gear, loading and route review: __________

## Boarding and operation

- Actual headcount, boarding assistance and briefing: __________

- Crew roles, communications and emergency readiness: __________

- Captain decision and any agreed service change: __________

## Return and closeout

- Catch-care handoff and required report confirmations: __________

- Fuel, expenses, crew hours and maintenance observations: __________

- Payment/refund settlement, guest concern and next repair action: __________

## How to use this record

Adapt the checklist to official requirements and vessel procedures; it is not a complete safety standard or departure clearance. Name the person checking each item and the person authorized to resolve defects. Preserve the actual record rather than checking every box after the fact.

Keep confirmed facts, estimates and unknowns distinct. For a requirement record the responsible source, checked date, supporting evidence and next action. Retain private financial, identity and personnel documents securely; do not put them into public URLs or analytics.

## Continue the lesson

https://louisianadeepseafishing.com/charter-business/operations

Before acting, verify changing requirements with the responsible agency and obtain qualified advice for the actual operation. This document does not submit an application or establish that any requirement is satisfied.


## Named handoff record

- Inquiry/expectation owner and unresolved guest question: __________
- Booking/payment owner and accepted policy version: __________
- Captain/vessel assignment check and reviewer: __________
- Preparation message owner and scheduled update: __________
- Captain operating decision record location: __________
- Return/reporting submitter and backup: __________
- Settlement/defect/customer follow-up owner: __________

## Changed-service and exception note

- What changed and why: __________
- Verified alternative vessel/product/authority: __________
- Customer choice and actual financial effect: __________
- Communication and acceptance evidence: __________
- Calendar, payment and reporting changes completed: __________
- Open action, responsible person and due review: __________

Do not silently substitute a different boat or product in the booking system. A qualification, insurer, permit or guest-expectation check may be necessary. Keep emergency procedures and official notifications in their appropriate process; this record organizes the business handoff.