Handle with Care – Minding Your Manners

Essential Tips For Safe And Courteous Boating.

By Dusty Miller

It comes as no surprise that boating is one of the oldest forms of transportation. Consequently, there are traditions and customs that are steeped in history. For example, years ago, when two ships passed each other, specific flags would be raised that would provide information about each respective ship’s cargo, destination, and country of origin. At the time, this was seen to be the most practical way to exchange necessary information between vessels. As time went on, ship’s captains learned to rely on this non-verbal communication and a standard code of rules, practices, and etiquette began to take shape. Embedded in these standards was a conventional set of behaviours such that captains could anticipate the actions of the oncoming ships and react accordingly. To do anything less was not considered to be courteous seamanship.

It is against this background of historical naval etiquette that we observe certain rules and practices today. Today, the need to adhere to these rules, as the sole means of communication with fellow boaters is very much relaxed. Still, most seasoned boaters will practice and refer to these historical “Rules of the Road” and marine etiquette in the spirit of boating camaraderie and good seamanship.

Nowadays the flags that are flown on pleasure cruisers indicate the country of origin (by the flag flown at the stern) and the country being visited (by a courtesy flag raised on the mast). In some cases, the burgee, which identifies the specific yacht club or cruising club to which the captain belongs, is also flown alongside the courtesy flag. 

It should be noted that even though the present rules are somewhat relaxed, there still are specific places in which flags should not be flown. One common error is to fly the country of origin or power squadron flag on a VHF antenna. Not only is this out of place, but it is also unsafe. One good burst of a gale-force wind and you may find your antenna sitting on the front deck (and your radio out of commission). One final tip before we leave flag etiquette: the country of origin flag, flown on the stern, should be lowered at sundown when in home port, but not while cruising in foreign waters. 

Another tradition in boating history is the practice of waving at passing boaters. This is actually a throwback from the time when there were few boats on the waterways. Those who spent months at sea keenly felt the isolation and any opportunity to minimize that feeling was greeted with enthusiasm. Thus, the practice of waving was adopted as a way to acknowledge the sailing brotherhood and camaraderie that existed amongst sailors on the passing vessels. Today, this tradition is carried on and it is considered common courtesy to wave to passing boaters as a way to acknowledge the boating fraternity.  

Courtesy on the waterway’s extends beyond communication etiquette. It also involves being a competent skipper as well as one who is thoughtful and considerate of fellow boaters. The following examples falling under the heading of courtesy and common sense provide a quick look at some Do’s and Dont’s to keep in mind the next time you are out on the water. 

Cruising in open water

When travelling in open waters, boaters must rely on courtesy and common sense because there are no other means to regulate the safe passage between vessels. In these circumstances, courtesy is reduced to knowing and acknowledging the effect your boat will have on other vessels when you approach and pass. So, try to give your fellow boater a wide berth in open waters. Take a look at your wake and consider what effect it will have on the other vessels, both stationary and underway.

To illustrate this point, let me share an example of what not to do in open water. Not long ago, I found myself travelling in open water with a dinghy in tow. At one point, I had to stop to change lines so the dinghy would travel better at higher speeds. Before stopping, I made sure that I would not be obstructing the passage for any other vessels. At a distance, I noticed a larger cruiser steaming up the bay. I continued working on the lines knowing that the oncoming vessel had miles of room to manoeuvre around me. At this point, I had one foot in the dinghy and one foot on the swim platform. The next thing that I knew this vessel was passing within 50 feet of me and creating a tremendous wake in the process. Realizing the predicament that I was in, I dove for the controls in an effort to get the boat in motion. I was lucky.

I started to move forward at the same time as the first wave caught the dinghy, lifting it up to about the same height as the transom. Had I not gotten underway, it would have landed in the back deck or at the very least taken the swim platform off. Of course everything on board that wasn’t nailed down suddenly took flight. What a mess!

The rule here is simple: When you are in open water and see a vessel stopped, veer away so that your stern wake doesn’t put the other vessel in harm’s way. If you see another vessel approaching, slow down and ensure that there is sufficient distance between the boats so that your wake has an opportunity to dissipate before it disrupts the other vessel. (Hopefully, the other skipper will respond in kind.)

Good manners start and end in home port

At the end of a long day, most boaters look forward to getting to their home port. Keep in mind that your marina is a small community. As a member of this community, you can either be known as a courteous and friendly neighbour or the village idiot. The rule that applies here is the golden rule – that is, do unto others, as you would have them do unto you. 

Take into consideration that the vessels in most marinas are docked in close proximity to one another. Add to this, the fact that sound travels exceptionally well over water. The result is that the smallest annoyance can be amplified into a grandstand nuisance. Running engines at two o’clock in the morning, sounding horns, loud guests, barking dogs are all to be discouraged. Remember the harbour is a sanctuary. 

The small things that happen can have a large impact on the overall reputation of the marina. Marine operators may have a multitude of rules and regulations pertaining to the marina and boater’s conduct. These rules are usually laid out to assist and benefit you as well as the rest of the boaters. When selecting a marina, ask to see a copy of their rules and decide before you join if you can abide by them. If they seem overly strict and you think you may have trouble adhering to them, consider another marina. Keep in mind that even in the absence of any formal rules, consideration for your fellow boaters should be paramount. 

Courtesy on the water stems from attitude and behaviour. If we all took it upon ourselves to be courteous, we would all be happier and, more importantly, safer. Enjoy your time on the water and remember we have the elements to fight and contend with, not each other.