Boating etiquette is an important part of the activity we all love, which can be defined as “the customary code of polite behavior among members of a particular group.”
Of course, boating etiquette has a lot to do with safety as well as social norms and interactions, so it’s important that we all know the rules and follow them. And the rules of boating etiquette cover not only operating your boat in and around other boats, but rules concerning boat launching, refueling, anchoring, docking and more.
Most of the rules of boating etiquette are common sense, and involve that good ole Golden Rule of treating others like you’d like to be treated. But others involve safety situations, so let’s review some of the important ones.
Rules of the Road
When two boats are approaching head on, both vessels should (if possible and safe) turn to starboard and pass port-to-port. That’s the same basic rule we have with motor vehicles (unless you’re British) so it should be normal to most boaters.
A sailboat under sail has right-of-way over a powerboat. Unless the sailboat is also under power (even if the sails are up), in which case it’s considered a powerboat.
If you’re being overtaken (or passed) by another boat, you should (if safe) maintain your course and speed. If doing that seems dangerous, slow down and let the other boat pass. Your first responsibility as a captain (and a sentient human being) is to avoid collisions regardless of who’s right and who’s wrong.
If a vessel is approaching you from the right or starboard, that vessel has the right-of-way.
Human-powered vessels (kayaks, canoes, paddled boards, etc.) have the right of way over any other vessel.
If another vessel is restricted in its ability to maneuver, for whatever reason, you should give way.
When two sailboats approach each other, the one on the starboard tack (the wind coming over the starboard side of the deck) has the right-of-way over the one on the port tack. If both are on the same tack, the leeward or downwind vessel as the right-of-way.
Special situations
When refueling at a fuel dock, you should pump your gas, pay the bill and get your boat out of the way for the next boat to pull in. Lingering, going off for groceries or otherwise dawdling is considered bad etiquette.
When using a public boat ramp, get your boat prepared before you get into position to launch. Likewise, when getting your boat on to the trailer, get it secured properly and then pull it away from the boat launch to tidy up, secure the lines and prepare to drive away. Again, needless dawdling when people are waiting will not go over well!
When preparing to anchor in an anchorage, check any other boats in the area and give them plenty of leeway when planning where to drop the hook. Remember the lead you’ll need to play out to set your anchor properly and give yourself plenty of room from the other boats. And once at anchor, respect your anchorage neighbors. Keep the noise and music down, don’t run a generator late at night or early in the morning.
Respect the posted rules about wakes. You should own your own wake. Be mindful of swimmers, paddlers, other boats and property owners on shore. Wakes can be both destructive and dangerous.
If you’re standing on a dock and another boat is coming in, offer to catch their dock lines. If they wave you off, fine–they have a method and intend to use it. But if you can help, do so. They might help you next time you’re docking and need a hand.
Don’t use VHF Channel 16 for chatting with other boaters. This channel is intended for hailing and distress calls. If you want to have a conversation, switch to another frequency.
Boating Etiquette- Rule One
Being mindful of others and boating conditions is Rule One. The rest is just common sense and common decency when it comes to boating etiquette. And the result is that we can all safely enjoy the time we spend on the water together.
