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Marina Etiquette
- When you stop for fuel, keep in mind that other boats may be waiting to get to the fuel dock. Do not leave your boat to pick up groceries or spend time in the bait shop. Tie up securely, follow proper fuelling procedures, pay the bill and move away to another docking area or guest slip if you need to do other business ashore.
- If you are already safely docked in the marina and there is no dockmaster or helper around to assist boaters as they dock and undock, it is courteous to assist others in your vicinity with their lines.
- Make sure to keep the area around your slip clear. Roll up and stow hoses and place power cords in such a manner so people passing by do not trip. Keep buckets, mops, tackle, docking lines and other items stowed in their proper places, not strewn around on the dock.
- When finished with carts or other equipment intended for common use at the marina, be sure to put it back where it belongs, so others have access.
- Turn off all AC breakers on board, then turn off the breaker and disconnect the power cord from the dock first. (Many people undo the power cord and carry it off the boat to the dock; one slip and you could fall in the water with a live wire.)
- Turn off all outside lights, instruments and your VHF radio. There is nothing more un-neighbourly than a light shining into a boat in the next slip or the VHF blasting loudly while you are out for a night at the local pub.
- Never connect a dock water supply to the pressure side of the water system on your boat, not even with a pressure-reducing valve. This is an invitation to sink your boat. If a hose clamp quits or a flexible section ruptures, an unlimited supply of water will fill your boat. Fill your water tank periodically using a hose and using the onboard water pressure pump to supply your requirements. It is also better for your pressure pump to keep it working on a regular basis; pumps that are idle for long periods do not last long.
- Never have a water tank that overflows anywhere onboard. Plumb the overflow overboard or to a drain which always runs overboard.
- Be sure to enter an anchorage or mooring area at a slow speed. This is like moving into a new neighbourhood; you want your neighbors to like you. You don't want to create a wake that would upset someone's dinner or drink.
- Remember, sound carries exceptionally well over water and many boaters retire early for an early morning departure. Respect their right to sleep in peace. Also, remember that any comment you make may be heard.
- Some boaters are friendly and like to socialize, while others are reflective and just want to be left alone. If you see people on deck, you should be friendly but not intrusive unless, of course, encouraged. If you strike up a conversation and you recognize your dockside neighbours really are not interested, just move on, out of their space.
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Docking Plan
- Before approaching the dock, one end of the docking lines should be secured onboard, fenders ready and speed reduced.
- If the wind is onshore (blowing toward the dock), the boat is brought to a position parallel to the dock and about two feet off. The wind will blow the boat in. It can then be secured by bow, stern and spring lines.
- If the wind is offshore (blowing away from the dock), you should approach the dock at a 20 to 30 degree angle. A bow line is passed ashore and secured. In boats with an outboard or inboard/outboard engine, the engine is turned towards the dock and put in reverse. This will bring the stern into the dock. The boat can then be secured with the stern line.
- The procedure is different for boats with inboard engines. The rudder will be used to bring the stern in. To push the stern in using the rudder, attach an after bow spring to keep the boat from moving forward. With the engine idling forward, turn the wheel away from the dock. Since the boat cannot move forward and the rudder is pushing the stern in, the boat will pin itself against the dock while you secure the other lines. All maneuvers are more easily accomplished if the boat has twin engines, rather than a single engine.
Undocking Plan
- Prior to getting underway, you should implement an undocking plan with the help of your passengers. You should consider the traffic in the area, the direction of wind and current, and the depth of the water.
- When the wind or current is pushing your boat away from the dock the procedure is simple. Cast off lines and pull in fenders as the wind blows you away. When clear and safely away from the dock and other boats, shift to forward and depart at idle speed. Be careful to make sure you have been pushed safely away and that the stern will not hit the dock as you motor forward and turn. Remember, a boat does not steer like a car, it pivots on its axis.
- If the wind or current is pushing your boat toward the dock you will have to do some extra planning. Cast off all lines except an after bow spring line. This line will keep you from moving forward and allow the stern to pivot away from the dock. You may want to use a fender forward to cushion the bow of the boat against the dock. Turn the motor or rudder to the direction necessary to push the stern away from the dock. Shift into forward at idle speed. Slowly, very slowly.
The stern will swing away from the dock. When it is clear of all obstacles and traffic, cast off the spring line and back away from the dock. When you are safely away, shift to forward and idle away from the dock.
- Once you are clear of the dock, stow lines and fenders so they will not be in the way or pose a tripping hazard. Be sure to control speed when leaving the dock and check for other boats, swimmers or obstacles.
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