Boating, as
a recreational sport, has been around for over 300 years. During this time many customs
and traditions have been developed in order to help relieve the natural stress that comes
with dealing with the elements. No matter how long you have been boating there is always
that tense feeling when you are out there on your own. If this feeling ever goes away, you
should probably take up golf. Whether underway, anchoring, mooring, docking at a marina or
cruising with friends, don't add to the stress of your boating neighbor by ignoring custom
and tradition.
Underway
 Obviously, the
rules of the road are going to dictate how you operate your vessel underway in order to
prevent collision. But what if no risk of collision exists, are you then free to do
whatever you want when operating in the vicinity of other vessels? Above all, remember
that you are responsible for you own wake and any damage done by it.
When overtaking
a slower vessel in open water, do so with as much room as depth conditions allow and slow
your speed, if necessary, to avoid rocking the other vessel. There is nothing worse than
being below in a slow trawler or sail boat, cooking breakfast, and being suddenly
overtaken in close quarters by a loud, wake-throwing, go-fast boater. Especially if the
wake causes the hot bacon grease and coffee to be thrown around the galley.
It should be
remembered that sometimes the boat being overtaken may need to slow its speed to
accommodate the overtaking vessel. If you are proceeding at 8 knots, the passing boat can
only slow to about 10 knots to still have enough speed difference to pass successfully.
However, at that speed the overtaking vessel still throws an uncomfortable wake. You may
need to slow to 4 knots to allow the overtaking vessel to pass at 6 knots which allows for
a much smaller wake.
If you are
overtaking a vessel under sail, if possible, overtake them well to leeward or pass astern
in a crossing situation, so as not to block their wind.
 Anchoring and
Mooring
Be sure to
enter an anchorage or mooring area at a slow speed. This is like moving into a new
neighborhood. You want your neighbors to like you. Again, you don't want to create a wake
that would upset someone's dinner or drink.
Remember that the first person in the anchorage has the right to determine the swing
radius. Don't get too close to other anchored boats. The wind can change and in a matter
of minutes you can have fouled and tangled anchor lines, and hulls and dinghies banging
against each other. I'll never forget the commotion caused one night off the Bitter End in
the BVI when a late-arriving boat anchored too close to another. The shifting wind at 0300
caused them to tangle with one another and soon there were two angry and burly boaters on
deck, sans clothing, but armed with spotlights, shouting and cursing while blinding each
other with the lights. Not a pretty sight! Speaking of spotlights, if you need to use one,
make sure you don't inadvertently blind your neighbor.
Before
anchoring evaluate your intended behavior; the more music, people on board, children, pets
and smoke from your barbecue that you intend to create, the further downwind you should be
from your neighbors. Sound carries exceptionally well over water and many boaters retire
early for an early departure. Respect their right to sleep in peace. Also, remember that
any comment you make may be heard.
If you are
using your dinghy at night to go to shore or visit others in the anchorage, do so using
oars and not your outboard. How far could the shore be if you're anchored in ten feet of
water? Some boaters are friendly and like to socialize, while others are reflective and
just want to be left alone. If you are rowing around the anchorage and see people on deck,
you should be friendly but not intrusive unless, of course, encouraged. Tradition dictates
that if you approach another vessel you should do so on the starboard side six to ten feet
away. If you strike up a conversation and you recognize by the tenor of the strangers that
they really aren't interested, just move on out of their space.
Make sure you
get permission before picking up a guest mooring. It may be reserved for another boater
arriving later on or it may be unsuitable for your vessel.
Marina Manners
When you stop
for fuel, keep in mind that other boats may be waiting to get to the fuel dock. Do not
leave your boat to pick up groceries or hang out in the bait shop. Tie up securely, follow
proper fueling procedures, pay the bill and move away to another docking area or guest
slip if you need to do other business ashore.
 If you are already safely docked in the marina and there is
no dockmaster or helper around to assist boaters as they dock and undock, it is courteous
to assist other in your vicinity with their lines. This may sound like an oxymoron, but
boating is like a fraternity of individuals. Everyone has a right to their space but
everyone provides assistance whenever necessary.
Make sure to
keep the area around your slip clear. Roll up and stow hoses, place power cords in such a
manner as to not trip a passerby who is looking up at your new radar reflector. Keep
buckets, mops, tackle, docking lines and other items stowed in their proper place, not
strewn around on the dock. When finished with carts or other equipment at the marina
intended for common use, be sure to put it back where it belongs so others have access.
Tips For On
Board Guests
Whenever you
invite guests aboard for the day, a weekend or an extended cruise, you should explain to
them in advance what is expected of them, especially if they are not experienced boaters.
If they are expected to perform duties onboard make sure they know this (and how to do it)
before you give the order to swab the deck or handle lines. If you have special
"rules" regarding behavior on your boat (smoking, drinking, etc.), let them know
before they arrive.
 Instruct your guests to bring a minimum of clothing
appropriate for the climate in which you will be operating as well as your final
destination. Make sure each guest has a good pair of non-skid deck shoes. If your plans
are to go ashore for activities other than lying on the beach, make sure they bring
something more appropriate than a swimsuit and thongs. Explain the problem of limited
space on your boat and ask them to pack their gear in a duffel bag or other soft-sided and
collapsible luggage.
If you are
planning to visit foreign ports, be sure to let your guests know in advance what documents
and ID they need to bring and make them aware of any local customs they should know about.
When quests
arrive, assign a locker to each where they may stow their gear and make clear that
everything should be kept in its assigned place. It could be dangerous or impair the
operation of your boat to have clothing and other gear floating around loose.
Make sure your
guests know that your times of departure are based on tide, current, weather conditions
and time to make the next destination. You should explain that they should be onboard,
have gear stowed and be ready to leave well before the departure time you have set.
Explain also
that the time to rise and shine is based on the convenience of everyone aboard and the
cruising plans for the day. You, as skipper, should be the first to rise and the others
should follow shortly after. Make guests aware of the limited washing and toilet
facilities on the boat and instruct them to be time considerate to others. Also instruct
them thoroughly on the use of the marine head and the importance of water conservation
when cruising between destinations. Make clear, also, when you announce in the evenings
that it is time to retire everyone should do so.
Familiarize
your guests with safety and emergency procedures before leaving the dock. Explain fueling
procedures, docking and undocking plans, etc. Make sure someone onboard is able to take
over for you and operate the VHF radio to ask for help should you become disabled.
By being up
front, honest and direct with your guests everyone onboard will have a safe and more
pleasurable trip. |
