3.2.4 See where you're going

To avoid any unexpected dangerous situations, ensure you’re always able to see where you are going and what is happening around your boat.

• Make sure that nobody or nothing is blocking the view from the helm station. Pay special attention to the following factors as these may reduce the visibility:

  • Propulsion unit trim angles

  • Hull trim plane angles

  • Loading and load distribution

  • Speed

  • Rapid acceleration

  • Transition from displacement to planing mode

  • Sea conditions

  • Weather conditions, (for example rain, darkness and fog)

  • Interior lights

  • Position of tops and curtains

  • Persons or movable gear in the driver’s field of vision.

• Be aware that a high running trim can obstruct the view so you may not notice swimmers and small vessels. Don’t drive with the bow high for long periods of time and trim the boat to lower the attitude in congested areas.

• Turn on the navigation lights when it is dark or the visibility is poor.

• Find out beforehand how the windshield wiper works.