Etiquette around Marinas and Docks
Now that summer is winding down for this season I thought it was time to reflect back on some of my experiences at the marinas/docks I encountered. Marinas are often busy places where fellow boaters are making the transitions necessary for preparing themselves for a day on the water. The busiest times are often on weekend mornings when boats, boaters, families and friends are all arriving for their anticipated day on the water they’ve been looking forward to all week. Sometimes in all of our eagerness to get out on the water the whole process can sometimes outwardly appear to turn into mass chaos. Here are a few suggestions that may make docking and the transition a better experience for everyone involved.
Don’t tie up near the launch area Trailerable boats need access to the dock next to the ramps as they guide their boats from attached mooring lines. Only utilize docking next to the ramp for the brief amount time needed for you to actually launch or retrieve your boat.
Approach and depart slowly Wakes are disruptive to any berthed vessels, folks launching or retrieving their boats as well as to any people that may be out on the docks. A dock/ harbor should be a place of safety and any buffeting waves from boats make it harder to concentrate and safely walk when all the docks are bouncing up & down.
Passing any Docks/Marinas When passing docks, marinas, or harbors, you’re responsible for your wake and any damages that it may create. Remember your boats wakes can and will travel across small and medium size lakes/rivers and can cause problems for others well after you’ve passed through the area.
Powerboats are far more agile and have less draft than sail boats. Being far more maneuverable, powered boats should utilize the tie ups in the tighter and shallower areas of the docks and leaving the more accessible berths for the larger boats.
Sharing the Common Dockage Don’t just simply tie up and leave your boat in the middle of any available dockage thus making it difficult or preventing others from using the rest of the available docking space.
While docked, watch out for others on the dock Not everyone on or near boats are actually true boaters. Respectfully place and keep your supplies, lines, electrical cords, and equipment out of the way where kids, older people and maybe people who also can’t swim will not tripping over on and potentially falling into the water. Many injuries can and often do occur amongst the moored boats and the docks.
When on the dock, people should attempt to keep it clear for others. Parents need to explain to their children that docks are potentially dangerous place and that they should stand aside for everyone’s safety. Instruct them that running and playing is not allowed in the area. Also parents should always insure their kids are wearing their life jackets on the docks at all times.
When arriving, mind when its your turn There is usually no one official in charge on the water and so boaters need to keep order among themselves upon returning to the docks. It’s very tempting for the smaller and more nimble crafts to attempt to dart ahead of any larger and slower boats. But always remember, you’re likely going to meet your fellow boaters face to face soon enough back on land.
Let’s always be courteous Being on the dock you can often help returning boaters by taking the mooring lines for them and tying them to dock cleats. Always offer a helping hand to disembarking boaters who may still have wobbly sea legs.
Unlike in a car, boaters do not become anonymous once they are aboard their craft. We all share a common body of water and our waves and our actions may often travel over great distances. Being a responsible boater means watching out for others, respecting their property, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to have a wonderful day on the water. Let’s all make courtesy contagious!
Posted by blog.houseboatodyssey1.com at 10/15/2010 4:36 PM 
Categories: Boating “Or Water” Safety, Boating, Water Safety, Boat Ramp Etiquette
Tags: Marina safety boats boating docks
Categories: Boating “Or Water” Safety, Boating, Water Safety, Boat Ramp Etiquette
Tags: Marina safety boats boating docks
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