5.1 NAVIGATION SET UP PROCEDURES

Preliminary checks
An accurate preliminary preparation is fundamental for a safe navigation. The text below summarizes come important advice to be taken into consideration when setting-up for navigation.

• Gather information on the weather forecast and warnings.
• Consult the navigation charts, and consider particularly the cruise distance, courses, sea bottoms features (low and dangerous).
• Consider the quantity of diesel oil necessary.
• Consider the length of navigation.
• Check the main electrical panel and on the monitoring system display the possible lighting of the warning lights for the bilge pumps, indicating the presence of water. If the indicators are lit, turn on the bilge pump buttons. If pumps work without interruption and discharge water, this means that the float switches are jammed or damaged (have them checked). If pumps work, but water does not come out, this means that the suctions are clogged (clean them).
• Check sea cock strainers for engine and generator cooling and for the supply of the air conditioning system. If they are dirty, close hull valves, remove and clean the baskets, then reinsert them and close the hull valves with care.

WARNING

Once the hull valves have opened again, make sure that there are no leaks.

WARNING

During navigation, regularly check the cleanliness of the sea water strainer baskets. If the yacht is crossing a dirty sea area, check the condition of the strainers and proceed with their cleaning. This precaution is very important, to avoid the damage of mechanical parts (like engines, generators, etc..), of the exhausts systems and to prevent endangering the yacht safety.

• Check oil level in engines, gear boxes and generators. If necessary, top up.
• Check engines and generators coolant level. If necessary, top up.
• Ensure fuel system separator filters are properly clean. If water is present, drain the filters and replace them if necessary.
• Check the hydraulic oil levels of gangway, trim tabs, steering system, etc.. If necessary, top up.
• Check liquid levels (fuel, fresh water) in the tanks.

WARNING

To carry out the above mentioned checks and the top-ups, refer to specific manuals supplied by the Manufacturer.

• Ensure everything necessary has been loaded (provisions, nautical charts, documents, rockets, first aid kit, etc..).
• Check the proper locking of all mobile components located inside the yacht.
• Ensure the load has been distributed evenly, so that the yacht maintains a proper trim.

CAUTION

The materials stowed in the storage room can alter the trim, especially the transversal one. Try to arrange loads equally and securely, in order to avoid sudden displacements.

• Write the list of the safety equipment.

WARNING

The yacht designated captain must make sure that all are boarded to the location of the current safety systems (fire extinguishers, life raft, life buoys, etc..) And who are aware of how to use them.

CAUTION

Safety equipment should always be checked before each navigation, in order to ensure the good condition of the safety devices and to become familiar with their location and use. The little time spent may be very useful in case of need.

• Check that the life jackets are in good conditions and that they are stored where required and anyway easy to reach (avoid putting obstacles of any kind in front of access hatches).
• Ensure that the collective life rafts are easily accessible and that their mooring and anti-capsize line is in good condition (properly rolled up and not worn out).

CAUTION

The removable awnings and their support poles must always be dismantled and stored in the appropriate places before starting navigation. When the poles are not in use, they should be stored in the appropriate places. The awnings should only be installed when the yacht is stationary and the weather conditions are favourable. Do not leave the blinds open in heavy rain. Do not leave the awnings installed when the yacht is unattended. Do not allow water to stagnate on the fabric of the awnings. When the awnings are not in use, keep the pole holes closed with the appropriate lids.

• Ensure that the life buoys are stowed in their correct position and fitted with relevant safety rope and that the light buoy battery is charged.
• Check the charge status of the extinguishers. The extinguisher is charged when the pressure gauge indicator is in the green sector.
• Check the operation of the rudders (move steering wheel from end to end, and check their correct operation).
• Check trim tabs operation. If not employed, tabs must be kept in neutral position.
• Check navigation lights and horn operation.
• Check the efficiency of the anchor winches and the anchor chain stopper.
• Check transceivers operation.
• Check documents and nautical charts.
• Check proper closing of portholes and hatches and materials proper arrangement.
• Cast off moorings, ensuring no obstacle can hinder unmooring operations (not aligned cables, chain or anchor log engaged in other boats moorings, etc.).
• Check that the engine room extractors are operating.
• Ensure no flammable or other improper materials have been stowed in engine room.
• Ensure that hull valves for engine and generator cooling and for air conditioning system are operating (open).
• Ensure engines and generator fuel circuits are operational (open valves).
• Start the generator and, after a few minutes of pre-heating, load electric power by means of the control panel.
• Disconnect shore inlets/sockets (electric power, water supply, etc.).
• Connect engines and users battery breakers.
• Connect engines and uses battery breakers.
• Verify the battery charge status on the general electrical panel of the technical room or on the monitoring panels. If necessary, recharge them.
• Connect necessary 24V uses on electrical panels. Disconnect not connected uses after checking their proper operation.
• Start the engines.
  
  

CAUTION

The use of lateral closure systems, such as Cristal or similar, is not permitted during navigation.