The sea and the water are not the natural environment of Man and one
has to respect their laws and strength.
Adapt the use of your boat to her condition that wears out with time and
use.
Any boat, however solid she may be, may be severely damaged if badly
used. This is not compatible with a secure navigation. Always adapt the
speed and direction of your boat to the conditions of the sea.
The 'COLREG', an international regulation in order to prevent collision at
sea, published by the International Maritime Organization, specifies the
steering and course regulations, the navigation lights etc. throughout the
world Make sure you know these regulations and you have on board a
manual that explains them.
In numerous countries, a licence, an authorization or a training course is
requested.
Make sure you have this legal authorization before you use your boat.
Always use an experienced technician for the maintenance of your boat,
the fitting of accessories and the carrying out of small modifications. The
written authorization of the builder or his legal representative is compul-
sory for modifications that alter the specifications of the boat, in particular
the vertical layout of the grounds (putting up of a radar, modification of the
mast, change of the engine etc.).
The users of the boat are informed of the following:
- The entire crew must be trained properly.
- The boat shall not be loaded more with than the maximum load recom-
mended by the builder, in particular the total weight of the food supplies,
of the different equipment that are not supplied by the builder and of the
persons on board. The weight of the boat shall be properly distributed.
- The water in the bilge shall be kept at its minimum.
- The stability is reduced when you add weight in the upper parts.
- In case of heavy weather, the hatches, lockers and doors shall be closed
in order to minimize the risk of water coming in.
- The stability may be reduced when you tow a boat or when you lift heavy
weights with the davits or the boom.
- Breakers are serious dangers to stability.
- In the boat there shall be all the proper safety equipment (harness, fla-
res, liferaft etc.) depending on the type of boat, the country, the weather
- The crew must be familiar with the use of all the safety equipment and
the emergency safety procedures (MOB, towing etc.).
- Anyone on the deck shall wear a life jacket or a buoyancy aid. Please
note that in some countries it is compulsory to wear an homologated
buoyancy aid permanently.
For the essential or optional equipment (engine, electronics
etc.) refer to their respective manual delivered with your boat.
Keep this manual in a safe place and hand it over to the new
owner if you sell your boat.
