Volvo Penta D4 Operator's Manual page 6

Safety Information
Your new boat
Carefully read through the instructions and other infor-
mation that come with the new boat. Learn to handle
the engine, controls and other equipment in a safe
and proper manner.
If this is your first boat or if it is a type of boat you are
unfamiliar with, we recommend that you practice
maneuvering the boat in your own good time, so that
you get to know the boat's seakeeping and maneu-
vering qualities at different speeds, sea states and
load conditions before casting off on the "real" maiden
voyage.
Bear in mind that a person in charge of a boat under
way bears the legal responsibility of knowing and fol-
lowing the regulations for passage and safety afloat.
Learn which regulations apply to you and your waters
by contacting the relevant authorities or maritime
safety organization.
It is a good idea to complete some type of boat driver's
course. We recommend that you contact a regional
boat association or maritime safety organization to
find a suitable course.
Daily checks
Make it a habit to give the engine and engine bay a
visual inspection before operation, before starting the
engine and after operation once the engine has stop-
ped. This helps you to quickly discover fuel, coolant,
or oil leakages, or any other abnormal event that has,
or is about to, happen.
Maneuvering
Avoid extreme and sudden rudder movements and
ahead/astern maneuvers. There is a risk of passen-
gers and crew overbalancing or falling overboard.
A rotating propeller can cause serious injury. Ensure
that nobody is in the water before selecting ahead/
astern. Never pass close by bathers or areas where
there is reason to believe that people may be in the
water.
Avoid extreme stern drive trim as this can result in a
serious reduction in steering ability.
Lanyard switch
We recommend that you install and use a lanyard
switch (option), especially if you drive a boat capable
of high speeds. The lanyard switch stops the engine
if the driver overbalances and looses control of the
boat.
4
Fuel filling
There is always a risk of fire and explosion when fuel-
ing. Smoking is forbidden, and the engine must be
stopped.
Never over-fill the tank. Close the tank cap securely.
Only use fuel recommended in the Operator's Man-
ual. The wrong grade of fuel can cause malfunctions
or engine shutdown. In diesel engines, fuel of poor
quality can cause the control rod to stick and the
engine to over-speed with the risk of engine damage
and personal injury.
Do not start the engine
Do not start or run the engine if fuel or propane leaks
are suspected in the boat, or in the vicinity of, or close
to discharges of, explosive media etc. An explosive
environment carries the risk of fire and/or explosion.
Accidents and incidents
Maritime rescue statistics show that inadequate
engine and boat maintenance and a lack of safety
equipment are often the causes of accidents and inci-
dents afloat.
Make sure your boat's engine is maintained according
to the instructions in the relevant manual and that the
necessary safety equipment is on board and func-
tional.
7748934 04-2008