Boating etiquette has been taught for more than hundreds of years. There are some rules set in stone that are enforced by law. Others are just good manners, sort of like when you first move into a house and see your neighbor on the street. Good etiquettes indicate you wave at them as a way of greeting.
Whether on a fishing boat, yacht or canoe, you need to follow the boating community rules to fit in. If you are docking your boat at a marina, you must be careful about what you say and do.
Compared to other sports, boating is an activity that requires great caution. You have probably heard stories about collisions due to speeding, which is similar to a car accident. The rules of the water are not that different from the rules of the road.
Let’s take a look at five simple boating etiquettes you need to follow:
Respect the Ramp
The first and most crucial boating etiquette is to launch your boat quickly. Boaters who prepare their equipment on the spot and make other boaters wait for their turn on the launch ramp are considered impolite.
Safety First
Safety should be your priority, even before stepping on the boat. Make sure everyone is wearing life jackets, including your pet dog. If any of your passengers don’t know how to inflate the life jacket, give them a short tutorial. Lastly, don’t drink and sail. Alcohol and boats are never a good combination!
If you plan to have a party on your boat and alcohol is involved, designate a driver who won’t drink. It’s better to err on the side of caution!
Rules of the Water
Boating is similar to driving. This activity has specific rules that must be followed to have an enjoyable experience. These include:
- When boating with friends, form a single line to dock one by one
- When you see a boat approaching, always move to your left so they can pass on the right
- Stop or slow down if your boat is creating a big wake
- Fog can often make it difficult to see other boaters. Always slow down in such weather and blow your horn often to signal your location.
- If you are on a sailboat and you see a powerboat approaching, you can keep your course.
Pack In and Out
Avoid throwing trash overboard and on the shore and dock. Collect everything in a trash bag and dispose of it properly.
Mooring
When entering the mooring area, slow your speed to avoid creating a wake. Follow their lead if you see a boat docking in front of you. Take note of the slack they leave in the line, so you don’t have to play guess.
Aren’t these boating etiquettes easy to follow? Yes, boaters still forget to abide by them. As mentioned earlier, some water rules bound you legally, which means if you don’t follow them, you will be charged a penalty. It’s also possible that your boating license might get suspended. So, follow these rules, and you will never have trouble on the water.
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