What must be done to ensure safe transport of a watercraft?

To ensure the safe transport of a watercraft, it is critical to remove all plugs and water barriers. This practice is essential for several reasons. First, it prevents the accumulation of water in the boat during transit, which can pose a risk by affecting the stability of the vessel or causing damage to the boat's interior components. Second, removing plugs and barriers is a critical step in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). Water left in the boat can contain invasive organisms that might be inadvertently transported to other bodies of water, contributing to ecological damage in new environments.

While keeping water barriers and plugs intact is important for the safe use of a boat on the water, it becomes a liability during transport if water is trapped inside. On the other hand, ensuring a fully charged battery and confirming the presence of life jackets are also important aspects of safe boating practices, but they do not specifically address the unique concerns related to the transport of watercraft and the prevention of AIS transfer. Therefore, the primary focus during transport should be on draining all water and removing barriers and plugs to maintain safety and compliance with regulations.