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4. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
The Finnish archipelago and lakes are unique and their conservation is a matter of honour for
boaters, too. Therefore you should avoid
- fuel and oil leakages
- emptying garbage and waste into the water or on the shore
- letting detergents and solvents get into the water
- loud noise on the water or at marinas
- producing unnecessarily high wash in narrow passages and shallo waters.
Service the engine well and run it economically, which also keeps exhaust emission low.
We all have public right of access to nature, which means that we can enter somebody else's
land, with the exception of the yard, provided that we do not cause any damage or
inconvenience. This right also includes public access to waterways, and temporary anchoring,
swimming and going ashore at unoccupied places, provided that it is not expressly and
officially forbidden. Anchoring near occupied beaches is forbidden. Also you are not allowed to
moor your boat at a private jetty, or inhabited shore without permission.
You may camp in a tent on islands provided you do no harm to the property or disturb
the property owner. Camping in a tent is forbidden near yards and cultivated fields. You
may light a fire if you have the landowner's permission. Boaters may also pick wild
berries and mushrooms, as long as they do not damage trees or nature.
5. SEAMANSHIP
5.1 BEFORE GETTING UNDERWAY
- PREVAILING WEATHER AND WEATHER FORECASTS
Consider the wind, waves and visibility. Are the size of your boat, its equipment and your skills
adequate for the conditions ahead?
- SAFETY
Make sure that there is a life jacket for everyone on board. Also check other life-saving
equipment (distress rockets etc.).
- LOADING
Never overload your boat! Distribute the load properly by placing heavy equipment as low as
possible. Distribute the load evenly on both sides and remember not to load the bow too
heavily. Make sure that the equipment stay in place even in rougher weather.
- FUEL
Check that you have enough fuel with you! Also take reserve fuel in case of bad weather etc.
Make sure to check that there is enough oil in the oil injection system if your boat has a 2-
stroke engine.
