Cruising / Boating Etiquette - Writing the Unwritten Rules

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by RiverRat

And bringing your own plates to a potluck? I'd have never thought to do that the first time. But, makes sense and great advice.

Thanks for starting this thread,
Kitty

We have some (environmentally friendly) plastic plates and knifes and forks too (a set of knife, spoons & forks always in our day pack for supermarket picnics!). They are times when its just so much easier to have it all disposable! Of course I'm talking of areas with rubish bins. not desterted islands.


Mark

[David_Old_Jersey]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

Hey David_Used_Jumper, youve spent too long skippering your own boat. IN pratice long time skippers make quite bad crew.

I think that was covered in item d)

A boat can only have one skipper, Your job as crew is to work with the skipper, if he isnt the best them help him, but dont undermine him. ( I'd send youover the side!)

Dave

Covered by A), B) C) & E) - what one does about it is a seperate matter, agree that only 1 skipper onboard - and I am actually good crew because I understand that when my job is not Skipper (and I understand what that means)............but if I was that unhappy to the point where a Skipper felt undermined (don't take her accross the headland, even though the GPS says to - true ) then jumping ship is the logical step..........no help required

[capt_douglas]

- Always ask permission to come aboard, and if approved, it's left foot first
- Unless specifically told to, remover your shoes/flip flops/water shoes.
- Be careful of what you grab
- Remember the 10/1 20/2 rule: 10 pumps of the toilet pump for #1.... And never leave evidence of your using the facilities
- Always offer to help, even if you don't mean it.
- Ask for seconds, don't automatically assume it's all you can eat.
- Be respectful of the boat you're on. You might never own one so _________, but you are a guest.
- Fly the courtesy flag as proudly as your own, and if the courtesy flag's flogged out, replace it.
- Remember the VHF is open for all to hear - even those who don't know you.
- Thank your host for the chance to come aboard.
- Never, never, bad mouth the boat.

[rgscpat]

In raft-ups or places you have to share cleats, tie your boat or dinghy up so other people don't have to undo your line.

At popular dinghy docks, after getting your passengers and stuff onto the float, tie off with a long enough painter and push the boat off so other dinghies can approach the dock. And don't tilt your motor prop up with a bunch of inflatable dinghies around you! %&**&^*@!

Don't crowd other boats in anchorages.

Guests and skippers need to be crystal-clear on expectations.

Non-marking shoes are nifty.

Tie off your halyards so they don't drive people crazy.

Be responsible for pets, children, your boat's wake, etc.

Respect the ocean.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by rgscpat

In raft-ups or places you have to share cleats, tie your boat or dinghy up so other people don't have to undo your line...

Indeed (dipping the eye)

➥

YouTube - How to Dip-the-Eye When Docking

➥ Chapman Piloting & Seamanship - Google Books

[sneuman]

I see this has been covered above, but bears repeating:

Never criticize a boat unless you're sure that neither the person you're talking to nor anyone within earshot owns one! I have learned from experience that you can dis someone's car, house, even their spouse ... but say something bad about their boat and them's fightin' words.

(Note: For obvious reasons, it's hard to honor this rule online, and I am as guilty as the next person in violating it on occasion here).

[Blue Stocking]

On first arrival at a marina or club dock, address your greeter as "captain".

[David_Old_Jersey]

Originally Posted by Blue Stocking

On first arrival at a marina or club dock, address your greeter as "captain".

Errrr..........over here they would think you were taking the p#ss

If the person is wearing an official hat the traditional greeting phrase is "Mein Fuerher"

[RiverRat]

Originally Posted by capt_douglas

- Always ask permission to come aboard, and if approved, it's left foot first.

Left foot first?

[Blue Stocking]

Originally Posted by David_Old_Jersey

Errrr..........over here they would think you were taking the p#ss

If the person is wearing an official hat the traditional greeting phrase is "Mein Fuerher"

Have to admit, hat thing is a bit much , but show respect, and expect respect, for the other's territory.

[Ex-Calif]

Originally Posted by RiverRat

Left foot first?

Everyone knows that pirates get their right leg shot of in battle and the parrot goes on the left shoulder.

Boarding left foot first more sure footed for pirates.

Not to bring on the Captain debate but even if licensed I would not apply this honorific to someone out of uniform and operating a pleasure craft for pleasure.

On a commercial boat "requiring" a Captain, sure.

The guy paying the boat bills on a pleasure yacht is skip or skipper until he tells me otherwise.

This indicates that while I may know how to sail & may have more experience, I recognize him as the one in charge and I will do as he asks while on his boat.

[Astrid]

Not being a coastie anymore, nor a charter skipper, I just prefer to be called by name. When I hear someone say, 'Captain', I have this instinctive urge to come to attention.

[rebel heart]

- if and when you get your captain's license, don't go around introducing yourself as captain so-so-and-so.
- yes, yes, i know.. the spring line stops the boat.
- don't stop someone who's working on their boat to chat them up, and especially not to chime in with the better technique you know about and how they're doing it wrong.
- take the skipper's lead. if he/she wants to push it, stay active. if they want to put around and show the kids onboard the sea lions on the buoys, go with it.
- when watches are getting discussed, volunteer for the worst one.

[rebel heart]

if you stop at a guest dock or restaurant dock:

- if you're on a dinghy don't let it hang in the path of boats coming in.
- if on a big boat, don't take your half out of the middle.
- if on a dinghy, use a long painter.

[markpierce]

Hey fella, with that high-speed motorboat who "sprayed" me on a calm, warm day going eastbound on Suisun Bay some 30 years ago, I've got your number and you're still on my list. You could pay for the first round of beer, and we can go from there.