In this section important information is given to enable you to operate the various components of the yacht without any hazard.
Periodical maintenance, including daily inspections, are important to keep the equipment/components in the best possible efficiency conditions.
Failure to comply with the maintenance plan may lead to unforeseen problems that can reduce safety at sea.
Read and understand all the information contained in the various technical manuals provided before undertaking any action or operating any systems. If you are not sure of aspect of the work to be done, please contact RIVA After Sales & Service Department or that of the device manufacturer.
Always operate with caution, care and under safety conditions.
Any maintenance operation must be carried out in the strict respect of the surrounding environment. Take all necessary measures to avoid that even one single “oil drop” may be spilled: the protection of our environment starts with this type of attention.
Before carrying out maintenance and adjustment operations on your yacht, activate all safety devices provided and evaluate if it is necessary to inform all persons on board.
In particular, according to the regulations in force, place warning signs in the areas that can be affected by the activity and prevent accessibility to any device or equipment that, if enabled, could cause hazardous conditions endangering persons on board and/or property.
Maintenance and adjustment operations must be carried out by qualified, authorized personnel that shall provide for all necessary protections according to the regulations in force.
Persons performing maintenance operations in barely accessible or dangerous areas must provide for their own safety and that of any other persons involved, in compliance with existing workplace safety regulations.
If necessary, wear individual protection means required by the task to be performed.
During navigation, access to the engine compartment must be limited to authorized and properly equipped personnel only.
Inspect the sea water system inlets and outlets as well as the bilge systems. These checks are vital to ensure the yacht buoyancy.
Do not perform any maintenance operations or adjustments other than those indicated and/or suggested by the Manufacturer. If necessary, contact RIVA After Sales & Service Department for more precise instructions.
Keep all parts of the yacht clean using the methods and specific products indicated by the manufacturer.
Use only oils and greases recommended by the manufacturer.
Use only original spare parts to replace worn parts.
Before maintenance or commissioning of the yacht or any component part, carefully read the instructions for use.
The use of faulty lifting attachments can be the cause of accidents; check therefore their efficiency. Ensure the compliance of hoisting gears with local norms and their suitability for the job to be performed.
The use of unsuitable clothing can cause accidents; do not wear flapping clothes that could be easily caught by the moving parts of the yacht. Wear protective clothes suitable with the kind of work to carry out.
Keep OFF from taking alcohol or drugs before and during the work.
Insufficient information may cause accidents. If two or more persons are working simultaneously on the same machine, make sure that each of them is aware of the operation carried out by the others. Therefore, prepare a working plan so as to avoid any interference or hazard.
Before starting an engine, get other persons away from hazardous areas. Failure to comply with these precautions may cause serious injury, and even death.
When performing maintenance operations inside the engine compartment, you must make sure that the engine cannot be started from the helm position by unauthorized persons.
Keep the entire work area, in particular the area around the engine and stairs, free of oil and grease stains.
Injury due to slipping may have serious consequences.
Oil leakage at operating pressure can cause injury: before disconnecting or connecting the hoses, stop the engine and operate the controls to release the residual pressure. Prevent the engine start when the hoses are disconnected.
When the outer temperature falls below 4°C inside the ducts where water flows, there is the risk that the water freezes inside them and, thus, that breaks occur.
Incorrectly mounted and/or damaged and/ or worn gaskets and O-rings can cause damage; replace them immediately.
The battery produces explosive fumes; do not approach with flames and sparks nor smoke in its vicinity. If the battery is used or charged in a closed area, make sure good ventilation is provided. Do not check the battery charge status by short-circuiting the terminals with metal tools (the battery may explode): use a hydrometer or voltmeter. The electrolyte contained in the batteries is extremely corrosive: while charging or handling of the batteries, we recommend protecting your skin, eyes and clothing. Always use safety glasses and gloves. If the electrolyte gets into contact with the skin, rinse as soon as possible by washing with water and soap. If eyes are involved, immediately rinse with plenty of water and then ask for medical assistance.
Move away from the working area or adequately protect possible flammable materials, which could catch fire from sparkles.
Possible sparks produced by the electric system may cause explosions and fires. Avoid starting the yacht in the presence of flammable materials, liquids, vapours or flammable powders.
Fuel is flammable and explosive: do not approach with flames, do not smoke while refuelling or while working on the engine. Carry out refuelling with engine shut OFF. Failure to comply with these precautions may cause fires with hazard of serious damage to property and injury to persons.
Suspended loads may fall and injure you. Do not walk or work under lifted devices not sufficiently and safely supported.
Due to moving mechanical parts, when working on the shafting and on engines parts, absolutely prevent starting of the latter.
Before performing tasks on the electric system, always cut OFF power supply on the whole system or on the component on which you are operating, in order to prevent risks of shocks or electrocutions.
If necessary, first disconnect the negative cable from the battery and then connect it last to prevent short circuits.
Precautions to safeguard your health:
Oil, fuel and antifreeze are toxic substances: do not swallow.
These substances also contain dangerous contaminating agents which may cause damage to the skin.
Protect your eyes from accidental splashes of toxic substances by using safety goggles.
Store products and technical fluids for yacht operation (such as antifreeze) only in containers that cannot be mistaken for beverage holders.
Due to long and repeated contact with engine oil of any type, the skin can degrease and dry out with consequent irritation or even inflammation.
Avoid long and repeated contact of the skin with toxic substances.
Protect the skin with suitable protective products or with safety gloves.
Clean the skin by washing it thoroughly with water and soap. A valid help can come from special hand detergents and a brush. Do not use any fuel, thinners or solvents to clean the skin.
After cleaning, treat the skin with special greasy cream.
Change oil-soaked clothes and shoes.
If an accident occurs despite all precautions, seek medical advice immediately.
Coolants are hot. When engine temperature is high, the cooling system is under pressure and, by removing the heat exchanger plug, the hot liquid can come out as a jet!
Wait for the system to cool down, then very slowly rotate the cap and vent the system pressure.
Always cover the cap with a cloth when performing this operation.
RIVA declines all responsibility for the installation and operation of electric, electronic or mechanical equipment improperly installed by third parties in a fashion not authorised by the Shipyard.
RIVA declines all responsibility concerning tampering carried out by third parties on equipment installed in the Shipyard. Such tampering or unauthorized installations will not only immediately void the warranty, but may cause damage to the yacht and injuries to the people on board.
RIVA declines all responsibility concerning periodical maintenance activities scheduled by the Shipyard or by Manufacturers, but not carried out, on equipment/components, for which it is necessary to refer to their own Technical Manuals.