11.3 PREPARING FOR NAVIGATION

Preliminary checks:
Below are some important points to consider when preparing for departure:

• Check that the safety equipment on board is operational, in good condition and conforms with the regulations of the place of destination;
• Check that the bilge pumps on board are working properly;
• Check the cleanliness of the seawater filters; if they are dirty, close the seacock valves at right angles to the pipe, remove and clean the traps, reinsert them by carefully closing the filters, then reopen the seacock valves.

CAUTION

After reopening the valves, check that there are no leaks.

• Check the tension of the V-belts on the motors; restore correct tensioning if necessary;
• Check the engine, inverter and generator oil levels; top up if necessary;
• Check the engine and generator coolant levels; top up if necessary;
• Check the cleanliness of the fuel system separator filters;
• Check the hydraulic oil levels; top up if necessary;
  

CAUTION

To check and top up fluids, please refer to the specific manuals provided by the manufacturers.

• Check the liquid levels (fuel, freshwater) in the tanks;
• Check that moving parts on deck and below deck are properly secured;
• Check that the load distribution is such as to maintain the correct trim of the yacht.

DANGER

The owner of the yacht must ensure that all persons on board are familiar with the location of the safety systems (fire extinguishers, life raft, life jacket, etc..) and the correct way to use them.

DANGER

It is advisable to always carry out safety equipment checks before each voyage; these checks are useful not only for checking the condition of the equipment but also for memorising the locations and procedures for use. This short task may prove very useful in case of need.

• Check the operation of the stern drive.
• Check the operation of the interceptor.
• Operate both interceptors. When not in use, these should be left in the neutral position.
• Check that the navigation lights are switched ON and the horn is working.
• Check the proper function of the anchor windlass.
• Check the efficiency of the on-board instrumentation.
• Check the hatches are closed.
• Check the operation of the bilge pumps and their indicators.
• Ease the yacht’s moorings and check that there are no obstructions to unmooring.
• Check that the engine compartment extractor is operational.
• Check that no inflammable or improper materials have been stowed in the engine compartment.
• Check that the sea inlet valves for engine cooling, generator, air conditioning and fire-fighting system are open.
• Check that the engine and generator cooling circuits are in operational mode (valves open).
• Check that the engine and generator fuel circuit is operational (valves open).
• Start the generator and, after a few minutes of pre-heating, give the electric charge to the generator by activating the utilities from the main control panel.
• Disconnect the shore power socket.
• Engage the engine and service battery breaker switches.
• Check the charge status of the batteries via the electrical panel; recharge if necessary.
• Engage the 12V utilities on the electrical panel.
• Disconnect unused utilities, after ensuring their correct operation.
• Start the engines with the throttle in “neutral” position.

CAUTION

The battery charger must be switched OFF when the engines are running.