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
|
Station
|
Chan.
|
WX Bulletin ( UTC
)
|
Chios
|
85
|
0600-1000-1600-2000
|
Kefallonia
|
27
|
0600-1000-1600-2000
|
Kerkyra
|
02
|
0600-1000-1600-2000
|
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
|
|
|
|
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
|
Irakleion (SVH)
|
2799 KHz
|
0703-0903-1533-2133
|
Rodos (SVR)
|
2624 KHz
|
0703-0903-1533-2133
|
|
|
HF (SITOR) OLYMPIA RADIO WX
BROADCASTS
|
Olympia (SVU4)
|
8 MHz
|
0930-2130
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|