Boating etiquette is an integral part of having a pleasant and stress-free day on the water. By adhering to these rules, you can guarantee that other boaters and passengers have an enjoyable experience without any issues occurring.
1. Don’t Disturb the Peace and Quiet
No matter how experienced or new to boating you are, it's essential to remember that other boaters also want to enjoy their time on the water. That is why it is essential that all boaters adhere to proper etiquette and obey certain road rules in order for everyone's enjoyment on board.
The considerate boater slows down to tick over speed when passing anglers and stays in the middle of the channel if possible or moves over if requested by angler(s). They take great care not to push their wake into docked boats as this could cause damage and disruption for those aboard or along shoreline properties.
The considerate boater doesn't run their engines during inconsiderate times, such as at night. Sound travels well over water and can be heard far away.
2. Don’t Distract Other Boaters
Boating can be a thrilling way to spend time on the water, but it also carries with it serious responsibilities. Just like drivers on the road, boaters must always remain aware of their environment and keep an eye out for other vessels or potential hazards.
That is why it's essential to avoid distracting other boaters. Taking pictures, changing music, or communicating with water skiers or wakeboarders can all lead to distraction and could result in an accident if left unchecked.
3. Don’t Obstruct Other Boaters
No matter if you're new to boating or an experienced captain, being considerate while on the water will help keep things calm and make your time aboard safer.
Boating has both formal rules and laws (such as Coast Guard regulations) as well as unwritten, informal etiquette expectations that are passed down from boaters and communities through family, friends, or accidents.
The "boat give-way" rules, commonly known as the "boat pass-by" regulations, set forth how boats should pass each other on the water. These guidelines are essential for boaters of all levels of expertise because they guarantee each vessel its fair share of open waters.
If another vessel approaches you head-on, both vessels should turn to starboard and pass port to port. If this isn't feasible, give each other a signal so as to avoid colliding. In general, the more powerful craft should yield to less maneuverable ones due to their slower speed or limited maneuverability.
4. Don’t Run Your Engines
It's a well-known fact that boat engines use up a lot of gas. Just one day of boating can quickly empty a tank of fuel, so it's essential to find ways to keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently.
One way to protect your engine while not in use is keeping it out of the water. Doing this keeps delicate parts like propellers clean from saltwater exposure which can corrode them over time.
Another advantage to keeping your engine out of the water is that it reduces drag, which in turn improves fuel economy. Furthermore, make sure your engine is correctly trimmed so it runs parallel to the waterline without leaning too far to one side or another.
When it comes to boating etiquette, following these simple rules can help you become a more considerate boater.