Custom-made operation manuals, safety placards, and maintenance logbooks for yachts and other vessels.

 

Benefits:

• Proper operation and maintenance go a long way towards improving vessel reliability and reducing costs.
• Thorough and user-friendly instructions provide smooth running during crew changes.

 

 

 

 

The Manual

Operation Manual: A custom-made, illustrated manual for use by crew and owners, listing all vessel particulars and describing the operation of all systems, with step-by-step instructions where needed. The equivalent of having the last captain and engineer show you around the boat for a week.

Technical Manual: In addition to the Operation Manual above, this more complete manual also includes detailed system descriptions which help the crew and outside professionals trouble shoot, repair and maintain equipment. In particular, "as built" 3D layout drawings show the exact location of plumbing and components, even in hidden areas.

Supplied in an easy to update multi-ring binder and on an interactive CD that can be integrated with ship management software. Separate, 3-dimensional CAD files can be viewed, rotated, and zoomed.

The binder finish can be ultrasuede, embroidered, aluminum, leather, or translucent.

Inside views

Diagrams, 3D illustrations, photos, and text clearly show how systems work. The PDF version with bookmarks and links allows for quick access to information. (Sample illustrations)

• Covers areas that do not have any original documentation (e.g. operational procedures, fueling, bilge pumping, plumbing, electrical wiring, fire and safety equipment).
• Presents existing blueprint information in a clear convenient format.
• Assembles specifications in one central place (serial numbers, parts, and maintenance schedules).
• Supplements OEM documentation with vessel specific details (location of valves, breakers, transducers, antennas, etc.)
• Shows all system layouts "as built".
• Includes step-by-step instructions if required.

3D seastrainer illustration:

The yacht manual typically covers the following areas:

• Main engine (specifications, controls, exhausts, shafts, bearings, propellers)
• Generator and shore power
• Plumbing (water, fuel, gray and black water, bilge pumping)
• Safety and fire fighting equipment (location, quantity, usage, drills)
• Electrical (wiring and flow diagrams, galvanic protection)
• Electronics (antennas, NMEA interconnects, networks)
• Heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, and ventilation
• Tank location and capacities, stability
• Steering, hydraulics, windlass, chain
• Through-hulls
• Davits, tenders, and outboards
• Rigging and sails
• Maintenance schedules
• Musters and drills
• List of spares (part numbers, inventory and suppliers)
• Location of special tools, supplies, etc.
• Docking plan

On a large yacht with high crew turnover, new engineers can quickly learn all the systems and are less likely to fall behind with normal maintenance. Also, other crew are able to take over more easily if necessary.

Yacht manuals can be tailored to the professional engineer or owner/captain. It will be most inclusive if started during construction or refit while everything is exposed, with the added benefit of quality control.

 

 

Placards (safety & others)

Any type of placard can be custom made using international symbols, and then laminated or engraved for posting in engine room, wheelhouse, or at muster stations. For the guest cabins, I recommend using simplified safety and fire placards as well as instructions for the use of telephone, air conditioning, head, etc.

 

Larger view

 

• Fire Equipment and Fire Control Plans (designed to avoid "information overload")
• Safety Equipment (liferafts, EPIRBS, SART, flares, lifejackets, immersion suits, etc.)
• Muster Stations
• Bilge pumping diagrams and Emergency Procedures
• Fuel pumping diagrams
• Routine procedures such as starting/switching generators and connecting shore power.
• Cabin and space numbering system.
• Custom warning labels:

 

 

The logbook

A custom-made engineering logbook permanently bound or in a ring binder with tear-proof paper, designed to simplify the record keeping of all maintenance and repairs.

Larger view

• Prompts crew to do all scheduled maintenance jobs at correct service intervals because each section is made for one specific piece of equipment.
• Instant access to past jobs: just look up the symbol in the appropriate column.
• Provides a clear, continuous, and complete record that helps anticipate problems, improving the reliability of a ship’s systems in a cost effective way and increasing the resale value of the vessel.
• Reduces potential language barriers.
• Read a real example of major failure due to poor logging.

 

Examples of logbook sections:

• Main engines, shafts and props
• Generators
• Batteries
• Water maker
• Air-conditioning
• Stabilizers, steering
• Fridge and freezer
• Pumps and fans
• Fuel tanks and filling
• Outboard engines
• Rigging and sails
• Painting and varnishing
• Dry docking and surveys
• Safety equipment