12.4 NAVIGATION SET UP PROCEDURES

Accurate preliminary checks carried out with time, are fundamental for a safe navigation.
Here is some fundamental advice to consider when setting up for navigation:

• Gather information on weather forecast and warnings.
• Consult the pilot’s book.
• Consult the navigation charts, and consider the cruise distance, courses, dangerous sea bottoms and flats.
• Consider the quantity of diesel oil necessary.
• Consider the length of navigation.
• Verify on the synoptic panel of the main helm station the possible lighting of the warning lights for the bilge pumps, indicating the presence of water in the engine room.
  If the indicators are lit, turn ON bilge pump switches.
  If pumps do not work, batteries may be discharged (recharge batteries).
  If pumps work without interruptions and discharge water, this means that switches and floaters are jammed or damaged (have them checked).
  If pumps work, but water does not come, this means that the suctions are clogged (clean them).
• Check the cleanliness of the sea cock strainers for engine and generator cooling and for the supply of the air conditioning system.
• If they are dirty, check closing or close hul lvalves, remove and clean the baskets, then replace them and close the strainer housings; clean and open hull valves.
  

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. Taking suitable precautions is very important to prevent damage to mechanical parts (engines, generators, etc..), discharge systems and to not jeopardize the safety of the yacht.

WARNING

Once the hull valves have been reopened, make sure that no leaks are present.

• Make sure that engines and generator V belts are properly adjusted. If necessary restore correct tension.
• Check oil levels of engines, gear boxes and generator. If necessary, top up.
• Check engines and generator coolant level. If necessary, top up.
• Ensure fuel system separator filters are properly clean. If water is present, drain the filters by mean of tap.
• Check hydraulic oil levels of the various control units. If necessary, top up.
  

WARNING

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

• Check liquid levels (fuel, fresh water) in the tanks.
• Ensure everything necessary has been loaded (supplies, nautical charts, documents, rockets, first aid kit, etc..).
• Check the proper fastening of all mobile components, on the main deck and lower deck.
• Ensure the load has been distributed evenly, so that the yacht maintains a proper trim.

CAUTION

Try to arrange load equally and securely, in order to avoid sudden displacements.

WARNING

The yacht’s designated captain must ensure that all uses are shipped to the location of the current security systems (fire extinguishers, life raft, life buoys, etc..) and they 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.

Carry out checks of the safety equipment, as indicated below.

• Ensure that life jackets are in good conditions, that the inflating device is in working order and that the life jackets are in the correct location and easily accessible (do not obstruct access hatches with anything).
• 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).
• Ensure that the life buoy is in its correct location and fitted with relevant safety rope.
• Check extinguishers charge level.
• The extinguisher is charged when the pressure gauge indicator is in the green sector.