The sea and the water are not Man's natural environment and we must
respect their laws and their strength.
Adapt the use of your boat to her condition, which deteriorates with time and
use.
Any boat, however well built, may be severely damaged if badly used. This is
not compatible with safe sailing. Always adapt the speed and direction of your
boat to the sea conditions.
The 'COLREG' international regulations for the prevention of collisions at sea,
published by the International Maritime Organization, specify the rules relative
to steering and courses, navigation lights etc. throughout the world. Make sure
that you are familiar with these regulations and that you have a list present on
board which explains them.
In many countries, a license, an authorization or training certificate will be
required.
Make sure you have the necessary legal authorization before you use your
boat.
Always ensure an experienced professional carries out the maintenance of
your boat, installs any accessories and makes any small modifications. The
written authorization of the builder or his legal representative is compulsory
for modifications that alter the specifications of the boat, in particular the
vertical arrangement of forms (installing radar, modifying the mast, changing
the engine etc.).
Users of the boat are informed of the following:
- The entire crew must be properly trained.
- The boat must not carry a load heavier than the maximum load
recommended by the builder, in particular the combined weight of food
supplies, equipment not supplied by the builder and people on board. The
weight carried by the boat must be properly distributed.
- The water in the bilge must be maintained at a minimum.
- Stability is reduced when you add weight to the upper sections.
- In the event of heavy weather, the hatches, lockers and doors must be closed
in order to minimize the risk of water entering the boat.
- Stability may be reduced when towing another boat or when lifting heavy
weights using the davits or the boom.
- Breaking waves are a serious danger to stability.
- If your boat is equipped with a life-raft, read the instructions carefully. All the
proper safety equipment must be carried on board (harnesses, flares, life-raft,
etc.) according to the type of boat, the country in which it is used, the weather
conditions, etc.
- The crew must be familiar with the use of all the safety equipment and all
emergency safety procedures (MOB, towing etc.).
- All people on deck must wear a life jacket or a buoyancy aid. Please note that
in some countries it is compulsory to wear an approved buoyancy aid at all
times.
Keep this manual in a safe place and give it to the new
owner if you sell your boat.
For standard or optional equipment (engine, electronics etc.)
refer to their respective manuals supplied with your boat.
