11.1 GENERAL INFORMATION

This part of the manual describes some basic rules to always keep in mind:

• Periodically check the availability and efficiency of individual and collective safety equipment.
• Keep a safe distance.
• Check that all yacht safety equipment on board is in good condition and no maintenance activity is overdue.
  NOTE

  The manufacturer provides some of the international equipment required.
  The owner will have to equip the yacht with devices required by national laws.

• In case of using the fixed fire-fighting system: do not ventilate the engine room, until the fire has been completely extinguished.
• Ventilate the engine room before entering. Ventilate the lower deck compartment before entering, if portable extinguishers have been used.
• When operating the gangway, be sure that nobody is in the way.
• Oils, used filters, emulsions, coolants and electrolytes are all harmful products: avoid contact with the skin and dispose of them carefully.
• In the engine room, be cautious with hot and moving parts.
• Wear hearing protection when entering the engine room.
• Do not use open flames and do not smoke, when handling fuel or lubricants.
• Do not scatter fuel in the environment.
• Replace the fresh water stored in the tanks frequently and apply bactericides as needed.
• Do not exceed speed limits in harbours or confined waters.
• Reduce speed in the proximity of other yachts or swimmers.
• Adjust speed according to sea conditions.
• Reduce speed before entering the engines room. Modify the course, if necessary.
• Before connecting to shore, make sure that the main switch on the switch panel is disconnected.
• Before leaving the yacht, turn the battery breakers off.
• Handle hot oils carefully, in order to prevent serious burns.
• Secure engines, shafts and generator prior to performing any maintenance activity.
• Open the coolant tanks very carefully, in order to prevent serious burns.
• Do not perform any work on the generator’s electric board when it is running: serious risk of electric shock.
• Do not inhale exhaust fumes: risk of serious injuries or death.
• Before disconnecting a battery, check if the battery charger is operating. If it is, disconnect it and remove the negative wire first and then the positive one.
• hen reconnecting the battery, follow the same steps in reverse order (the positive wire first and then the negative one).
• Replace any part showing signs of corrosion immediately.
• Never disconnect the batteries when the generator is running.
• Switch the radar off, prior to performing any work on the aerial.
  

DANGER

The responsibility for the operation of each yacht lies solely with the owner.
It is the Owner’s direct responsibility to ensure, prior to departure, that the safety equipment required by law is present on board and fully functional.

DANGER

We recommend that you read the safety instructions in this manual carefully before you set off on your voyage and before operating the various on-board devices.