6
BEFORE YOU SET OFF
Familiarise yourself with this user manual.
Always check at least the following items before leaving:
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Weather conditions and forecast
Take the wind, waves and visibility into account. Are the design category, size and equipment
of your boat, as well as the skills of the skipper and crew adequate for the waters you are
headed for?
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Loading
Do not overload the craft, and distribute loads appropriately. To avoid impairment of the
craft’s stability, do not place heavy items high up.
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Passengers
Ensure that there are lifejackets for all people on board. Agree on crew tasks before setting off.
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Fuel
Make sure that the boat has enough fuel, including a 20% reserve for heavy weather or other
unforeseen eventualities.
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Engine and equipment
Check the function and condition of steering, electronic equipment and the battery, and carry
out the routine daily checks specified in the engine manual. Check the boat’s seaworthiness:
there are no fuel or water leaks, safety equipment must be available on board etc. Check that
there is no more than a minimal amount of water in the bilge.
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Ventilation
Ventilate the fuel compartment to minimise the risk of fire.
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Fastening of equipment
Check that all onboard items are positioned so that they are held in place also during rough
seas and high winds.
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Nautical charts
If you are not navigating in completely familiar waters, check whether you have nautical
charts on board that cover a large enough area!
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Leaving the berth
Agree with the crew who will release each mooring line, etc. Be careful not to let mooring
lines or other lines get tangled in the propeller during manoeuvring.
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Obligatory equipment
What is considered obligatory equipment varies from country to country. Find out what is
required for your boat.
You will find additional instructions concerning the engine in the separate engine manual.