Safety Notices; General Safety Information - Quickboats foundation series User Manual

4.
SAFETY
This chapter will inform you about general safety informa-
tion, safety equipment and rescue material, risk of fire,
hazards of flooding and risk of hypothermia.
4.1

GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION

Prior to departure, the skipper should familiarise himself
with the Quickboat and the route to the destination. The
skipper is responsible for the safety of the Quickboat and
its passengers. He should take all safety measures re-
quired in the case of an emergency. This applies not only to
coastal waters but also for navigation in inland waterways.
Above all the skipper should never overestimate their own
knowledge and skills. It is not a sign of weakness if you ask
for timely advice from experienced skippers, coastguard,
water police, rescue company or similar entities.
Attention to these points below:
• Always shut down the engine when you are swimming;
• The crew must be given appropriate training;
It is advisable to discuss a 'man overboard' situation prior
to departure. Should the skipper fall overboard during the
voyage, the passengers should be prepared to take action.
20
Quickboats Foundation Series User Guide - Nov 2014
Warning!
Do not exceed the maximum
recommended number of persons.
Regardless of the number of persons
on board, the total weight of persons
and equipment must never exceed the
maximum load as indicated on the build-
ers plate on your Quickboat. Always use
the chairs and seats available.
Weight
Shape and weight affect the stability of your Quickboat.
The shape is determined by the line drawing of the
designer. It can not change. The weight is determinated
by the mass of your empty Quickboat and the equipment
of your Quickboat.
On the Builder's Plate, you will find the value of the
maximum loading capacity of your Quickboat. This value
indicates the mass that can be safely added to the ready
for use boat. Depending on the placement of the people
and equipment, this extra weight influences the behavior
of the Quickboat.
Place heavy things as close as possible - and preferably
below - the waterline. Do not put too much weight in the
center or aft.
Attention!
Please be aware that accessories add
extra weight to the Quickboat. This also
means that the total weight of your ship
increases, and therefore you can carry
less load.
Speed
Dependant on conditions, you should adapt your speed in
the Quickboat to ensure damage is prevented and passen-
gers are safe. International Rules for Preventing Collisions
at Sea (COLREG) and good seamanship require that at
all times people should be careful, considering the current
diversion rules.
Mooring and towing
Local circumstances determine how you moor your Quick-
boat. The bollard on the foredeck is used when the Quick-
boat is towed. Towing should always be carried out at low
speed (e.g. 4 knots and only in protected waters) with the
line running through the handlebar at the nose. The bollard
can also be used to moor a 'spring'. This is a diagonal
mooring line, which ensures that your Quickboat does
not move forward or backward along the side when it is
moored.
Always use good protective agents between shore and ship
to prevent damage. The power transfer poles attached to
the skipper´s seat and the transom can also be used as
bollards.