Safety Information Safety Precautions While Operating the Boat Your New Boat Read the operator’s manuals and other information supplied with your new boat. Learn to operate the en- gine, controls and other equipment safely and correct- ly. If this is your first boat, or is a boat type with which you are not familiar, we recommend that you practice controlling the boat in peace and quiet. Learn how the boat behaves at different speeds, in varying weather conditions, and alternating loads before casting off for your “real” maiden voyage.
Daily Checklist To prevent a possible explosion or fire, make a habit of checking the engine and engine compartment visu- ally before operating the boat (before the engine is started) and after operating the boat (after the engine has been stopped). Also, smell for the presence of gas fumes. This will help you to quickly detect fuel, coolant, or oil leaks and to spot anything else unusual that has occurred or is about to happen. Remember that the person driving a boat is legally re- quired to know and follow the current rules regarding traffic and safety at sea.
Make sure you know the rules that apply to you and the waters you are sailing in by contacting the relevant authorities or organization. A good piece of advice is to take a course in seaman- ship. We recommend that you contact your local boat- ing organization to find a suitable course. If the engine compartment is not equipped with a blower, open the engine cover or hatch before starting it to disperse any gasoline fumes that may be present. Leave the hatch open until after the engine is running.
7743722 - Downloaded from www.volvopenta.com 13/05/2008 20:17:06 Refueling Accidents Statistics show that poor maintenance of boats and engines and a lack of safety equipment are often the main causes of accidents at sea. Ensure that your boat is maintained in accordance with the relevant us- er’s documentation and that the necessary safety equipment is on-board and is serviceable. When refueling there is always a danger of fire and ex- plosion. Smoking is forbidden and the engine must be switched off. Never overfill the tank. Close the fuel tank filler cap properly. Maneuvering Avoid violent and unexpected changes in course and gear engagement.
This could cause someone on the boat to lose their balance and fall over or overboard. A rotating propeller can cause serious injury. Check that nobody is in the water before engaging ahead or astern. Never drive near bathers or in areas where people could be in the water. Avoid trimming an out- board drive too much, as steering will be severely re- duced. Always use fuel recommended by Volvo Penta. The use of lower quality fuels can damage the engine. Poor fuel quality can also lead to higher maintenance costs. Do not Start the Engine Emergency Stop Switch We recommend that you install and use an emergen- cy stop switch (accessory), especially if your boat can travel at high speeds.
The emergency stop switch acts as a safety breaker and stops the engine if the driver falls down and loses control over the boat. 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 of fire and/or explosion in explosive surroundings. 8 VPA 7743722 English 10-2004