buster M, Owner'S Handbook Manual, Page: 192 / 257

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Fiskars Boats, Inha Works Ltd 2011
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Learn the rules of navigation from books and courses and follow them. In addition,
observe the requirements of COLREG (Convention on the International Regulations
for Preventing Collisions at Sea). Navigate carefully and use new or updated sea
charts.
Always adjust your speed in accordance with prevailing conditions and the
environment. Bear in mind:
x
the state of the sea (ask your passengers for their opinions on a comfortable
speed).
x
your own wake (greater when rising to plane, smaller at displacement speed,
i.e., below 6 knots). Observe prohibitions associated with a swell. Reduce your
speed and your wake as a matter of courtesy, and also for the safety of
yourself and others.
x
visibility (islands, fog, rain, blinding sun).
x
knowledge of the route (time required for navigation).
x
narrowness of the route (other traffic in the waterway, noise and the effect of
backwash on the shoreline).
x
the space needed for coming to a halt and for evasive manoeuvres.
5.9.2 Dead-man's grip
Attach the line for the dead-man’s grip to yourself as soon as you have cast off the
mooring rope. Read the more detailed instructions in the engine manual. Particularly
when driving alone, it is very important that the boat stops if, for any reason, you fall
overboard or stumble while on board. However, to avoid unintentionally turning off
the engine during landing manoeuvres, remember to detach the line from your hand
beforehand.
DANGER! A rotating propeller is extremely dangerous for anyone who has fallen
overboard or to a swimmer. Use the dead-man's grip. Switch off the
engine when a swimmer or water-skier is climbing on board or is in the
water near the boat.
5.9.3 Visibility from the steering position
In beautiful and calm weather, driving is simple, provided that you keep a sharp
lookout in compliance with the requirements of COLREG. Always take care to have
the best possible visibility from the steering position:
x
Position passengers so that they do not limit the field of vision.
x
Do not drive continuously at planing threshold speed as the rising prow
impedes visibility.
x
Use the engine’s power trim and possible trim tabs to adjust the boat’s
position in such a way that the rising prow does not obstruct visibility.
x
Use windscreen wipers where necessary.
x
Also remember to look astern in case of approaching vessels, particularly
while boating in shipping lanes. In a narrow passage, smaller vessels must
give way to larger vessels approaching form the rear if the approaching vessel
cannot pass safely due to the limited space.
At the approach of darkness and in any situation with limited visibility (fog, heavy
rain, etc.), use the navigation lights.