The Coast Guard on Monday recommended boat owners take the proper actions to winterize their vessels.

Winterizing is important not only in ensuring the safety of a vessel but also to safeguard the maritime environment, the Coast Guard said in a news release. The Coast Guard urges boaters to winterize their boats before the cold weather approaches, citing cases of vessels sinking due to heavy snowfall or oil in the water at a marina due to poor winterization.

A list of winterization steps is listed below. For help, the Coast Guard encourages boat owners to contact their local Coast Guard Auxiliary at: http://www.cgaux.org/ or contact a local marina or boat dealer.

To winterize vessels, the Coast Guard recommends:

• Owners enjoy one last trip on their boat for the season, making sure to wear a life jacket, and make a “to-do” list of repairs, replacements and modifications that can be done over the winter.

• Remove all the gear that has accumulated over boating season and take it home or place it in storage. Take home fire extinguishers and have them inspected over the winter. Drain fresh water tanks, fittings or lines or fill them with nontoxic antifreeze. Pump out holding tanks and don’t forget icemakers, air conditioning systems, fish wells and bilge pumps.

• Clean the boat. Be mindful of the chemicals you are using and recycle or properly dispose waste from cleaning.

• After hauling a boat out of the water, check the boat’s shaft, strut, cutlass bearing and propellers. Clean and disconnect the batteries. Put on any covers or have the boat shrink wrapped.

• Check the owner’s manuals for any special recommendations or concerns.