Boating has, more than most sports and pastimes, an etiquette defined as the "customary rules of polite behavior among members of a particular profession or group." In boating, etiquette is not just about social norms — it is also about safety.
Rules of the Road
Right-of-way rules are an accepted system you must follow to be courteous and safety-conscious. A handful of basics covers most recreational boating situations:
- If two boats meet head-on, both should — when possible — turn to starboard and pass port to port. This way no one has to guess the other captain's intent and a collision is avoided.
- A sailing vessel has right of way over a powered (motor) boat. A sailboat running under engine, regardless of whether sails are up, is treated as a powerboat.
- If you are being overtaken, it is your responsibility to maintain course and speed. If this endangers anyone, slow down and let the other vessel pass.
- If a boat is approaching you from the starboard side, that boat has right of way.
- Human-powered vessels (canoes, SUPs, etc.) have right of way over other boats, including sailing vessels.
- If another vessel's maneuverability is restricted (due to size, draft or other reasons), you must give way.
- When two boats are sailing, the boat on starboard tack has right of way over the boat on port tack. If both are on the same tack, the leeward boat has right of way.
Fueling, Dock and Boat-Ramp Etiquette
If you are launching or retrieving on a ramp, do it efficiently so others get their turn. After coming off the trailer, tie up at a dock and load guests and gear there to keep your ramp time short. Don't clean or unload your boat on the ramp.
At the fuel dock, take on fuel, pay and move off. If you need to shop, relocate your boat first.
Anchoring Etiquette
When entering an anchorage, mirror the other boats: how they tie up, how much rode they have out, how much space they leave. If everyone is swinging on a single anchor, do not set two — you'll behave differently when wind or current shift and may cause a collision.
Respect your neighbors: keep music to yourself and don't run the generator after 20:00 or before 07:00. Never zip past an anchorage at speed — people may be swimming or snorkeling.
VHF Radio Conduct
VHF is for hailing and distress, not extended chats with other boaters. When you reach another vessel, ask them to switch to a working frequency to continue. Issuing a false distress call is illegal.