- We take all required firefighting measures during refueling
- We pay attention to the quality of the fuel we buy. It is recommended to get fuel from a regular supplier who knows the quality of the fuel supplied to us.
- We get more fuel than we think we need on the trip we have planned. We may need the above fuel to go to a better mooring point or for additional manoeuvres at the port of destination or to cover any greater consumption that will result from stormy weather.
- We take all environmental protection measures for any fuel leaks during refueling.
- We have in excellent condition all the safety equipment required by law for the protection of the crew such as life jackets, life raft – where required – pharmacy, etc.
- We ensure the excellent operation of the VHF and we are trained to use it properly with the Port Authorities or third parties, especially in cases of emergency.
- We never consume alcohol when we are on board as Captains, as our senses and reflexes need to be 100% on alert.
- We meticulously study the weather provided by the National Meteorological Service for our trip but also the weather on the points of arrival and we never underestimate existing forecasts.
- We design all the planned repairs of the machines but also the annual maintenance of all the components of the boat such as batteries, anchor winch etc. in a timely manner, properly and professionally so that we can eliminate any problems during the trip.
- We thoroughly clean or replace the pumps in the cabinets and engine room so that they work properly.
- We keep the engine room in excellent condition and very clean. The slightest splash of oil or oil residue can suddenly lead to an uncontrollable fire.
- We maintain proper and adequate lighting in the engine room so that we can see everything in case we need to visit it during the trip.
- We keep visitors-passengers away from the engine room. It’s a place where they have no business to go.
- We collect the various types of machine waste such as oils or centrifuges in separate bins and we take care of the proper storage of the waste generated by the crew or the kitchen and when we moor in a port, we discard them in the appropriate bins.
- We apply the rules of navigation correctly, in ports and during travel.
- We pay special attention to the depths where we anchor as well as the situation at the seafloor, thus ensuring the correct anchoring and stabilization of the boat.
- We never anchor near other boats, no matter how much we want to stay for a swim or overnight in the idyllic bay we found, but already full of other boats.
- We study in detail the printed maps that we plan to have onboard, the planned route of the trip and we pay special attention to any strange or shallow sea areas that we will be passing from. GPS will guide us, but it certainly shouldn’t be our only naval aid while we are traveling. It has been proven that many accidents have occurred because the Captains relied solely on GPS data and information.
- We adjust the speed of our boat accordingly when exiting and entering the ports but also when entering creeks where moored boats or swimmers who enjoy the sea may be present or there are other boats trying to moor.
- We make very prudent and careful use of marine toys/equipment we have on our boat, such as inflatables, SUP, JetSki, etc.and prior to using them, a mini training is recommended for crew members or people who will use them so that no problems occur.
- We require the use of an individual life jacket for users of all marine toys/equipment regardless of their age and knowledge.
- We place lenses that work properly in prominent parts of the boat.
- We always have a set of binoculars that work properly, so that we can see at long distances during the trip, mainly to avoid any accidents or reefs in our path.