buster LX - Dead-mans Grip (5.9.2); Visibility from the Steering Position (5.9.3)

 Fiskars Boats, Inha Works Ltd 2010
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charts. Books containing regulations concerning navigation are available in
bookshops.
Always adjust your speed in accordance with prevailing conditions and the
environment. Bear in mind:
x the state of the sea (ask your passengers for their opinions on a comfortable
speed)
x your own wake (greater when rising to plane and smaller at displacement
speed, i.e., below 6 knots). Observe prohibitions associated with a swell.
Reduce your speed and your wake as a matter of courtesy, and also for the
safety of yourself and others.
x visibility (islands, fog, rain, blinding sun).
x knowledge of the route (time required for navigation).
x narrowness of the route (other traffic in the waterway, noise, and the effect of
backwash on the shoreline).
x the space needed for coming to a halt and for evasive manoeuvres.
5.9.2 Dead-man's grip
Attach the line for the dead-man’s grip to yourself as soon as you have cast off the
mooring rope. Read the more detailed instructions in the engine manual. Particularly
when driving alone, it is very important that the boat stops if for any reason you have
fallen overboard or stumble while on board. However, to avoid unintentionally turning
off the engine during landing manoeuvres, remember to detach the line from your
hand beforehand.
DANGER! A rotating propeller is extremely dangerous for anyone who
has fallen overboard or to a swimmer. Switch off the engine
until the swimmer or water-skier has climbed back on board.
5.9.3 Visibility from the steering position
In beautiful and calm weather, driving is simple, provided that you keep a sharp
lookout, which also complies with the requirements of COLREG. Always take care to
have the best possible visibility from the steering position:
x Position passengers so that they do not limit the field of vision.
x Do not drive continuously at planing threshold speed, as the rising prow
impedes visibility.
x Use the engine’s power trim and possible trim tabs to adjust the boat’s
position in such a way that the rising prow does not obstruct visibility.
x Remember also to look astern in case of approaching vessels, particularly
while boating in shipping lanes.
At the approach of darkness and in any situation with limited visibility (fog, heavy
rain, etc.) use the navigation lights. Their switch is located on the steering pulpit.
Remember to set light masts into place.