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Check in procedure
This is the time when a
representative will hand
the boat over to you. Expect 1-2 hours for us to review the yacht handling procedures, location of safety and navigational equipment and other yacht essentials
(Inventory List). Protocol for checking in periodically and your itinerary will be discussed. Carefully inspect the yacht for damages
including the deck, hull, sails and equipment prior to signing the form "Acceptance Statement" for taking over the yacht. Ask for the location of the yacht manuals
and review them if needed.
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Check list for sailing/going ashore
Carefully
plan your sailing itinerary and review charts before departing. Mark the
areas you intend to sail. All navigational equipment, charts and pencils are
provided to you. Make use of the Greek Water Pilot manual for information
about the islands and the Greek Seas. It can prove invaluable. Monitor the
weather forecast before departure. Perform routine checks of the bilges,
water and fuel tanks and battery charge. Always let the engine warm up while
charging before departure. Check engine controls for properly engaging
forward and reverse and for any ropes around the prop. Demonstration to your
crew is essential in proper procedure and use of fire fighting and life
saving equipment. Location of the first aid kit and how to operate the VHF
unit. Be aware of proper protocol for distress/normal communication. Wear
harnesses and life jackets at all times while on deck during rough weather.
This is routine procedure and must be followed. Never allow children on deck
without life jackets at any time. Following proper safety precautions will
ensure your safety while sailing. It is your responsibility to follow the
basic rules of sailing. When arriving at port, make sure the yacht is safely
secured or safe at anchor. Check to make sure navigational lights are turned
off in case of night arrival. Check and clean the bilge pump. Before going
ashore, carefully place fenders to protect the vessel from swells of passing
boats and other incoming yachts. The gangway should be placed on the dock
while you are away and stored on the yacht while asleep. Make sure the main
gas switch has been turned off, lock the yacht leaving small portholes open
for ventilation. It is recommended that you carry all personal identification
papers and currency with you while ashore.
When
refueling at port, avoid spills into the sea at all times. Garbage disposal
is available at all ports. At no time shall non-biodegradable materials be
thrown into the sea.
Helpful reminders:
Perform routine checks of the yacht functioning
daily before sailing. Check coolant, fuel and water levels. Check the
fuel/water separator for water inside the glass. Drain if needed. Visually
check the engine area for signs of coolant, fuel or engine oil leaks, broken
or loose belts. Keep engine oil level above the 2 markson the dipstick, never
below Avoid letting the engine with a nearly empty fuel tank. Water
condensation will accumulate at the bottom of the tank. Follow the 2/3 rule
before setting sail for your next destination. When starting the engine, look
for water emerging at the exhaust outlet. If water is not emerging, stop the
engine immediately and locate the cause. Use the engine manual for
troubleshooting. Charge your batteries daily and as needed at approx. 1200
rpm (most important with use of electric refrigerator). Pay special attention
that the electric refrigerator does not run on full power while the engine is
not running. Doing so will drain your battery completely.
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During your sailing trip.
Maintain a
daily log of your sailing. Plan your sailing times and destinations
carefully to give yourself ample time for the return journey. Refer to the
material given by the owner for nautical miles/hours.
Observe the conditions of the
charter agreement set forth upon your departure between destinations.
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If at any time you believe you will
have difficulty reaching your destination/port because of inclement weather
or other reasons, notify the owner/representative immediately for advisement.
You will be responsible for handing over the yacht at the designated port and
date as agreed. In the worst of circumstances, if you are unable to safely
return the yacht for any reason, notify us immediately for advisement.
Inform the
owner/representative immediately if you have or suspect any problems or
incidents. We welcome your honest reports. Doing so will protect you in the
long run and will avoid unnecessary delays or discovery by the next charterer
or during your check out time.
Take special
caution that any archeological artifacts or items of antiquity are prohibited
from being taken from their location or out of the country. Also, the
possession of illegal drugs carry strong penalties.
strongly adheres to the
fact that consumption of alcoholic beverages while sailing is a dangerous and
unsafe practice. Loss of control over the yacht can place your own crew as
well as other vessels and their crew in danger. You will be responsible for
all liabilities and damages if such occur while found to be under the
influence of drugs or alcohol. The coast guard performs also alcohol-tests on
the spot, in harbors or open sea.
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In case of accidents.
You must inform us immediately but latest 24 hours after the incident. You must inform
the nearest Port Police Office, or if at sea, the Port Police at your next
port of entry. They will log the incident and give you a copy of the entry.
Make sure you receive these copies. You will be instructed to prepare a
statement for the insurers called the "Master's Report". This
statement should be endorsed with the stamp of the Port Police Office. It
should include names of all passengers and crew list with addresses and phone
numbers. All those formalities are necessary because the Insurers require
them.
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In case of emergency.
If at all possible do not abandon your vessel as the possibility can arise
where it can cause accidents to other navigators. It is clearly understood that
abandoning the vessel may be appropriate and prudent at times when the lives
of the crew are in real or imminent danger. Always transmit
"MAYDAY" from VHF Channel 16, state your position and nature of
your emergency. Do not switch to another channel before receiving a response.
International distress calls need to be transmitted three times in
succession. Transmission of "PAN MEDICO" is the appropriate
distress signal for serious sickness or injury.
ALWAYS attempt to contact us for any emergency. Do not accept salvage assistance from any
vessel other than the Port Authorities without our prior knowledge or consent.
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Safe handling tips.
Avoid accidents by following safe road rules and observing the other yachts
navigation. In the case of the islands, there are many passenger ferries and
large ships arriving frequently. Sea traffic may be heavy at times and many
mooring places for yachts are near the ones used by these vessels. Avoid the
swell caused by the final approach as they can create such a wave that a
yacht close by can easily be pushed against the quay, causing serious injury
to both crew and yacht. Known harbor areas where such accidents have
occurred are: Meriha in Kythnos, Kamares in Sifnos, main harbors of Naxos, Mykonos, Santorini. The main Port of Syros, Poros and Tinos are also trouble areas
to watch.
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Meltemi winds
Great
consideration needs to be taken in regards to the Meltemi winds, which is at
its maximum wind speed between 20th July and 20th
August every year. The Meltemi blows from Northwest up to Northeast with
varying directions of 90 degrees depending on your location. The best time to
sail during the Meltemi is a few hours before sunrise. The wind velocity is
at its lowest during this time and would be the best time to set sails. Even
at these early hours, if the winds are heavy, then it is advisable to stay in
the harbor. A rule of thumb to follow is that if the wind velocity blows the
same at sunrise and sunset as it does during the day then you can expect it
to blow the same velocity the next day. Alternately, if the wind velocity
drops during sunrise or sunset, then it would be expected to blow much less
the next day. Always prepare for the worst and expect the best. Make sure to
get a good night's rest and eat a mild breakfast of dry toast/tea. Avoid
caffeine and dress warmly. Set sail as early as 0430 to 0530 when the winds
are at their mildest.
Some seafaring hints: A red sky during sunset = wind the next day. A small cloud atop the highest island mountain peak = wind
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Weather forecasts VHF: Radio Channel 16
may be used for verbal weather reports. Weather & shipping forecast times
(LT summer): · 0900· 1300· 1900· 0100
Weather is announced at these times and then you are required to go to your appropriate VHF channel for your region:
Central Aegean 4 Saronikos 25 Cephallonia 27 Rodos 85
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METEOROLOGICAL BROADCASTS FOR SHIPPING |
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VHF
OLYMPIA RADIO BROADCASTS
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|
Station |
Chan.
|
WX
Bulletin ( UTC )
|
|
Chios |
85
|
0600-1000-1600-2000
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Kefallonia |
27
|
0600-1000-1600-2000
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|
Kerkyra |
02
|
0600-1000-1600-2000
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|
Knossos |
83
|
0600-1000-1600-2000
|
|
Kythira |
85
|
0600-1000-1600-2000
|
|
Limnos |
82
|
0600-1000-1600-2000
|
|
Moustakos |
04
|
0600-1000-1600-2000
|
|
Mytilini |
01
|
0600-1000-1600-2000
|
|
Parnis |
25
|
0600-1000-1600-2000
|
|
Patra |
85
|
0600-1000-1600-2000
|
|
Petalidi |
83
|
0600-1000-1600-2000
|
|
Pilio |
60
|
0600-1000-1600-2000
|
|
Rodos |
63
|
0600-1000-1600-2000
|
|
Sitia |
85
|
0600-1000-1600-2000
|
|
Syros |
04
|
0600-1000-1600-2000
|
|
Sfendami |
23
|
0600-1000-1600-2000
|
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MF
(RT) OLYMPIA RADIO WX BROADCASTS
|
|
Station |
Freq.
|
WX
Bulletin ( UTC )
|
|
Kerkyra
(SVK) |
2830
KHz
|
0703-0903-1533-2133
|
|
Limnos
(SVL) |
2730
KHz
|
0703-0903-1533-2133
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|
Irakleion
(SVH) |
2799
KHz
|
0703-0903-1533-2133
|
|
Rodos
(SVR) |
2624
KHz
|
0703-0903-1533-2133
|
|
|
|
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HF
(SITOR) OLYMPIA RADIO WX BROADCASTS
|
|
Olympia
(SVU4) |
8
MHz
|
0930-2130
|
|
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NAVTEX
BROADCASTS
|
|
Irakleio
[H] |
518
KHz
|
0510-0910-1710-2110
|
|
Kerkyra
[K] |
518
KHz
|
0540-0940-1740-2140
|
|
Limnos
[L] |
518
KHz
|
0550-0950-1750-2150
|
|
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