3
Safety regulations for boat trips
The new boat
Read instruction manuals and other information ac-
companying the new boat thoroughly. Accustom your-
self with handling the engine, controls and other equip-
ment in a safe and correct manner.
If this is your first boat or if it is a type you are not
used to, we recommend practising manoeuvring the
boat in a peaceful environment. Learn the sea-going
and manoeuvring characteristics at different speeds
and in varying weather and load conditions before
casting off on your “real” maiden voyage.
Remember that when operating a boat, you have a le-
gal responsibility to be aware of and follow regulations
concerning traffic and safety at sea. Inform yourself of
the regulations that apply to you and your waters by
getting in touch with the relevant authorities or marine
safety organisation.
Attending some kind of boat handling course is a good
idea. We recommend getting in touch with a regional
boat or marine safety organisation to help you locate a
suitable course.
Accidents and other incidents
Sea rescue statistics show that deficient maintenance
of boats and engines together with defective safety
equipment often causes accidents and other incidents
at sea.
Make sure your boat and engine are maintained in ac-
cordance with directions in the instruction manuals
and that the safety equipment on board is in good
working order.
Daily inspection
Make a habit of visually inspecting the engine and en-
gine room before starting (before starting the engine)
and after stopping (when the engine has been
turned off). This will help you to quickly detect any
fuel, coolant or oil leaks and any other abnormalities
that have occurred or are about to occur.
Manoeuvring
Avoid violent and rapid rudder movement and gear
shifting. There is a risk of the passengers falling down
or falling overboard.
A rotating propeller can cause serious injury. Make
sure there is nobody in the water before engaging for-
ward/reverse. Never run close to bathers or in places
where you have reason to believe there are people in
the water.
Filling fuel
There is a risk of fire and explosion when filling fuel.
Smoking is prohibited and the engine must be turned
off.
Never overfill the tank. Close the filler cap securely.
Use only fuel recommended in the instruction manual.
The incorrect grade of fuel can disturb operation or
cause breakdown. This can also lead to the control
rod jamming on diesel engines, which will overrev the
engine and risk damaging machinery and causing per-
sonal injury.
Do not start the engine
Do not start or run the engine with a suspected fuel or
LPG leak in the boat, nor when you are close to or in
a discharge of explosive media, etc. There is risk for
fire and/or explosion in explosive surroundings.