12 - INFORMATION FOR USE355
12.11 PRECAUTIONS DURING NAVIGATION
• During navigation do no unlock the anchor chain stopper because you
can seriously damage the yacht bow.
• Maintain a safe speed for the sea conditions, visibility, and when near
other yachts.
• Do not exceed speed limits in harbour and conned waters.
• Follow all navigation rules applicable to the waters in which you are op-
erating.
• Provide laminated plastic reference cards for the Rules of Navigation
and have them available for quick reference at each helm station.
• Consult charts for information on locations of reefs, rocks, shoals, or
other hazards to make sure that the yacht is not at risk of grounding or
collision with xed or oating structures.
• Frequently check that your route ahead and around the yacht is unob-
structed (no yachts or objects in the expected route or approaching your
yacht).
• Frequently conrm the yacht’s position as you cruise, using all available
aids, such as charts, visual observations and bearings, depth soundings,
GPS, radar, etc..
• If the yacht is controlled by the autopilot, be especially careful to keep a
good visual watch. The autopilot cannot see.
• Before night navigation, make sure that navigation lights and search
lights are operational. Ensure that the correct navigation lights are turned
on for operation at night. Do not keep the anchor riding light on while the
yacht is navigating.
• Use navigation lights in all conditions of reduced visibility, such as fog
and rain and at all times between sunset and sunrise.
WARNING
When navigating at night, visual sharpness is crucial for a safe passage.
To avoid collisions, reduce speed at night to compensate for limitations
of visibility. Avoid switching on inner lights that may affect the pilot’s night
vision.
• Know the characteristics of the sea bottom prior to anchoring. Keep well
clear of other anchored yachts.
• During anchoring, pay special attention to avoiding rotating parts of the
winch and take precautions when handling the anchor chain as it comes
off the winch. Caution is needed to avoid injury to hands and ngers.
Also, take care to avoid entangling feet and legs in the anchor rode.
• While the yacht is navigating, all persons on board must be seated in the
designated seating areas in order to prevent injury due to falls caused
by yacht movements with rough sea and in active wake areas or in the
event of sudden changes in yacht speed or during manoeuvring. No one
should be seated on the stern beach when the yacht is navigating.
To Next Page