Hooking into a big king salmon Saturday could turn a good day on the water into an excellent day of fishing. Keeping safety in the plan is guaranteed to make it even better.

Toward that goal, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering free vessel safety checks at the Homer Harbor launch ramp Friday, beginning at 10 a.m.

"My number one piece of advice is to check your boat over beforehand," said Gayle Forrest, commander of the auxiliary's Homer flotilla.

Tom Youngblood, the flotilla's staff officer of vessel exams, will be at the harbor Friday, along with at least one of the other four local auxiliarists trained to help mariners widen their safety margin. The exam helps boaters ensure they meet requirements listed on the Alaska Requirements Summary (see related graphic, this page).

Topping the list is life jackets, or personal flotation devices. Coast Guard approved life jackets come in various types. Boaters under the age of 13 must wear one at all times when in an open boat or on the deck of a boat, as well as when waterskiing. Vessels must have one for every person on board.

Also addressed on the list of requirements are throwable PFDs, efficient sound signals, visual distress signals, fire extinguishers, navigation lights, a backfire flame arrester for all inboard gasoline engines, proper ventilation and vessel registration.

Youngblood suggests anyone interested in having a vessel examined contact him at 226-2149 before Friday or 299-3523 on Friday.

Vessel exams are offered by the auxiliary year round. In addition to calling Youngblood, it is possible to schedule an exam on the Web at www.vesselsafetycheck.org/, click "I want a VSC." Each successfully completed exam is good for a year and comes with a decal to be displayed on the vessel.

"Last year we did between 75-80," Youngblood said.

In addition to requirements, boating involves a certain amount of common sense, like putting drain plugs in place and filling fuel tanks. Planning ahead can make all the difference.

"My recommendation is that (mariners) take their boat out a little early, like the day before, or at least give it a test run to make sure gauges are working so they don't run out of gas out there," Forrest said.

Before launching, other considerations need to be addressed.

"Double check the trailer and make sure everything works like lights and bearings on the wheels. Make sure the boat's tied down and loaded properly," Forrest said, adding that once on the water, mariners should remember to be courteous to other fishermen and to comply with navigational rules of the road.

As in past years, the Homer flotilla will provide a safety patrol during the Winter King Salmon Tournament.

Bryan Hawkins, Homer harbormaster, recommends boaters file float plans with a family member of close friend before leaving shore.

"I like to see (float plans include) approximate location of where they're going, when they're leaving, when they're coming back and ways to get a hold of them and who to call if they're overdue," Hawkins said.

"It's a real life saver. Honest to God, it's a life saver. Those little tidbits of where to find somebody have saved lives."

With the Kachemak Bay area still in winter's grip, Hawkins offered the reminder to dress for the weather, but to remember that winter gear is heavy and can drag a fisherman who ends up in the water beneath the surface quickly, making life jackets that much more important.

"The other thing I pass on to small boat folks especially is that if you do get in trouble, the only thing you'll have to work with is what's on your body. If you have a waterproof VHF handheld radio inside the boat or underneath the boat, it won't do you any good," Hawkins said, urging the importance of keeping such items waterproof and secured in a pocket.

Other than that?

"Have a wonderful time," Forrest said. "This (the winter king salmon tournament) is a great pre-season activity."

McKibben Jackinsky can be reached at mckibbenjackinsky.@homernews.com.