Just like driving a car, there are numerous protocols for boating that are in place both for standard courtesy as well as safety. Even if you only learn a few, they’ll cover you in most recreational boating situations.

General Boating Etiquette

Boating Manners 101

• The first job of any captain is to avoid a collision—regardless of who has the right-of-way. If you’re being overtaken, your responsibility is to maintain course and speed. If that scenario puts anyone in harm’s way, slow down and let the other pass.
• If a vessel approaches you from the right, they’re the stand-on vessel.
• When two boats are under sail, the one on the starboard tack  has the right of way over the one on the port tack. If both are on the same tack, the leeward (downwind) boat has the right of way.
• If another vessel is restricted in its ability to maneuver for any other reason, it’s the stand-on vessel and you should accommodate it.
• In a situation with two boats moving toward each other head on, both vessels turn to starboard and pass port to port if possible. That way, there’s no guesswork about the intentions of the other captain and a collision is avoided.
• A sailboat under sail has the right-of-way over a powerboat. If the sailboat is running with an engine, it’s considered a powerboat whether or not the sails are up.
• Human-powered vessels—kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, canoes, etc.—have the right-of-way over any other vessel, including sailboats.

Watch Your Wake

Cruising in your brand-new Grady-White super fun, but don’t forget about the waves your boat is kicking up—a.k.a., your wake. Those waves might be fun for surfers and wakeboarders, but for other boaters, they can be annoying and even dangerous. The wake from a speeding vessel can jostle passengers, cause them to drop dangerous items (like hot food or drink) and, in rare cases, even be thrown overboard.

Proper Wake Etiquette:

• Decrease your speed as you’re approaching another boat (or other sensitive object).
• If you’re overtaking a boat, allow a wide berth. Use your VHF radio (more on that below) to call the other boat on channel 16 or 9 and let them know that you intend to pass.
• If you are the vessel being overtaken, slow down and allow the other boat to go by. This lets the passing boat reduce it speed and throw less wake.
• Abide by wake signs. Never create big wakes in crowded areas or mooring fields.

Be Polite While Launching and Docking

If you’re launching or retrieving your boat at a ramp, do it quickly and efficiently so others can use the ramp, too. (After all, we all want to spend this season on the water!) Pulling over to a dock or beach once you’re off the trailer, and then load up your guests and gear. Don’t drain, clean, or unload your boat while on the ramp.

When you’re fueling up, get fuel, pay your bill and move out of the way so other people can use the dock. If you need to buy groceries or bait, relocate your boat.

Keep Your Area Clean

Sarasota and Manatee counties are home to numerous forms of marine life, from sea turtles to stingrays to manatees, sharks and numerous species of fish. None of us want to swim in trash, so do not throw it overboard. And remember: plastic never goes overboard in any circumstances.

Other Tips for Cleaning Up:

• Be careful when refueling not to spill into the water. Check fuel lines and tanks, and keep a spill kit on hand. If you do spill oil or fuel in the water, notify the Coast Guard National Response Center.
• Take all your trash with you when you leave, and never, ever throw trash into the water. In fact, you should also pick up any other trash you may see, especially in the water. Dispose it properly when you’re back on land.
• Ensure that your craft has proper onboard sanitation facilities and never dump sewage into the water.
• Know proper anchoring techniques to avoid damaging fragile marine ecosystems and help prevent grounding.

How to Politely Ask for and Offer Help

It’s always polite to offer to help catch the dock lines of a vessel coming to a dock. But if the captain or crew wave you off, respect that—you’d want them to do the same for you.

If you’re on the ocean, stopping to help a vessel in distress (or at least offering to relay messages to authorities or rescue agencies) is not only the right thing to do, it’s the law: You’re legally obligated to provide assistance, as long as you don’t put yourself or your vessel in danger.

VHF Radio Conduct and Mayday Calls

VHF channel 16 is for hailing and distress calls. Don’t use it for extended chats with other boaters (like after you’ve notified them you’ll be passing them and to watch out for your wake). Once you’ve contacted another vessel on VHF channel 16, ask them to switch to another frequency to continue the conversation. Keep kids off the radio—it’s not a toy, and making a false distress call is against the law.

When to Make a Mayday Call:

• Mayday calls are a request for assistance when a boat or boater is in distress. It’s very serious, and should be made only if there is immediate danger to life, property or the environment. (For example, if you’ve run out of gas but are otherwise OK, don’t call a Mayday on the radio. Contact a vessel towing organization or the Coast Guard, instead.)

Other Boating Etiquette FAQs

How can I be a polite guest on someone else’s boat?

• Listen to the captain. Follow their instructions regarding seating, movement and any safety.
• Be mindful of others. Be considerate of everyone’s comfort and safety, like you’d want them to be for yours.
• Be punctual. Arrive on time to avoid delaying a trip and as a sign of respect to your fellow passengers.
• Respect the boat. Be careful where you sit, avoid leaning on railings or structural elements, and watch your belongings.
• Offer to help. Offer to assist with tasks like handling lines or fenders—but only if the captain approves.
• Keep yourself and your area clean. Dispose of trash properly, wipe up spills, and rinse off sand before getting back on the boat.
• Drink in moderation. Be aware of your limits and avoid getting overly intoxicated, which can be dangerous and even life-threatening.
• Ask before swimming. Never dive in without checking the water’s depth and ensuring it’s safe. It’s always good to check with the captain, too.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to other boats, swimmers and potential hazards.
• Clean up after the trip. Leave the boat as clean as you found it—ideally, even better.
• Thank the host. Verbally express your gratitude for the trip and send a follow-up thank you, too. A few kind words go a long way.

What if I feel seasick on someone else’s boat?

We’ve all been there: You’re a guest on someone’s boat and you start to feel seasick. There’s no shame in getting seasick but it can be a dangerous condition that makes you weak and disoriented.

Here’s How to Handle Seasickness:

• Tell someone, ideally the captain.
• Don’t go below deck. That will make seasickness worse.
• Try to lie down or look at the horizon and breathe deeply.

A little planning, courtesy and common sense goes a long way toward making a day on the water enjoyable for everyone: yourself, your passengers and your fellow boaters and water enthusiasts. Have questions about boating etiquette? The Cannons Marina Crew has been helping locals make the most of their boating experience since 1955. We’re always happy to answer any questions you have!

Sources: Grady-White, Allstate, Discover Boating