11 / 26
RECOMMENDED OPERATING PROCEDURE
SAFETY FIRST: PREVENTING THE RISKS OF ACCIDENT
CHECKS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE
WARNING
ACQUAINT YOURSELF AND INFORM PASSENGERS:
ACQUAINT YOURSELF WITH
regulations and any hazards
specific to local sailing conditions.
CHECK the weather forecast; find out about any hazards due
to weather conditions, tides, winds, currents and the water state.
INFORM somebody ashore of your destination and estimated
time of return.
LEARN how to determine your boat's range: the distance you
can travel on a full tank of fuel varies significantly with the sea
state. Make sure to have sufficient reserves to reach shelter at all
times.
EXPLAIN the basic operations to all passengers.
MAKE SURE that one of your passengers knows how to
manoeuvre the boat in an emergency.
CHECK THE EQUIPMENT FOR CORRECT OPERATION
ACCORDING TO THE SEA STATE AND USE
CHECK the buoyancy tube pressure.
CHECK the valves; remove the self-bailer plugs and check the
closing of the scuppers outside the boat.
CHECK the circuit-breaker for correct operation.
MAKE SURE that the engine is secured properly to the aft
transom.
CHECK and clean your fuel filter if there is one.
CHECK the amount of fuel you have.
REMEMBER to top up the oil level if your engine has a
separate oil tank.
STOW your tank to the specified location, and make sure it is
properly secured.
MAKE SURE that your engine is in neutral before starting the
engine.
EQUIPMENT TO BE LOADED ONBOARD:
(refer to your country's regulations).
A lifejacket for each person on board.
The inflator, the paddles (or oars), the repair kit and the engine
tools.
The safety equipment is mandatory.
The boat’s papers and your licence.
A flashlight (in addition to the navigation lights) if you are
sailing at night.