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Safety precautions to be taken when operating the boat
Your new boat
Read Operator's Manuals and other information
supplied with your new boat. Learn to operate the
engine, controls and other equipment safely and
correctly.
If this is your first boat, or is a boat type with which
you are not familiar, we recommend that you practice
controlling the boat in peace and quiet. Learn how the
boat behaves at different speeds, weather conditions
and loads before casting off for your “real” maiden
voyage.
Remember that the person driving a boat is legally
required to know and follow the current rules regarding
traffic and safety at sea. Make sure you know the
rules that apply to you and the waters you are sailing
in by contacting the relevant authorities or organiza-
tion.
A good piece of advice is to take a course in seaman-
ship. We recommend that you contact your local
boating organization to find a suitable course.
Accidents
Statistics show that poor maintenance of boats and
engines and a lack of safety equipment are often the
cause of accidents at sea.
Ensure that your boat is maintained in accordance
with the relevant Operator's Manual and that the
necessary safety equipment is on-board and is
serviceable.
Daily checklist
Make a habit of checking the engine and engine
compartment visually before operating the boat
(before the engine is started) and after operating the
boat (after the engine has been stopped). This will
help you to quickly detect fuel, coolant and oil leaks
and spot anything else unusual that has, or is about to
happen.
Maneuvering
Avoid violent and unexpected changes in course and
gear engagement. This could cause someone on the
boat to lose their balance and fall over or overboard.
A rotating propeller can cause serious injury. Check
that nobody is in the water before engaging ahead or
astern. Never drive near bathers or in areas where
people could be in the water.
Avoid trimming an outboard drive too much, as
steering will be severely reduced.
Refueling
When refueling there is always a danger of fire and
explosion. Smoking is forbidden and the engine must
be switched off.
Never overfill the tank. Close the fuel tank filler cap
properly.
Only use the fuel recommended in the Operator's
Manual. The wrong grade of fuel can cause operating
problems or cause the engine to stop. On a diesel
engine poor quality fuel can cause the control rod to
seize and the engine to overrev with a resultant risk of
damage to the engine and personal injury.
Do not start the engine
Do not start or run the engine with a suspected fuel or
LPG leak in the boat, when you are close to or in a
discharge of explosive media, etc. There is a risk for
fire and/or explosion in explosive surroundings.
Safety Information
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