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Marina Manners - A Few Common-sense Rules to Being a Good Neighbour
By Michele Fox
It’s summertime and the living is easy for boaters, as we throw off the stress and struggle of a maritime winter and head for the water. To facilitate that easy living, it helps to keep a few “good neighbour” policies in mind at your own marina or when visiting a new one.
Arrivals and Departures
Even seasoned sailors occasionally quake at the idea of docking in a congested marina, so exercise caution, even on home turf. Lower your speed entering and leaving to avoid creating a wake. Keep in mind the unwritten code of conduct among sailors: if you see a boat docking, walk over and grab a line. This is particularly important when the arriving boat is short on hands, and will go a long way in building good neighbour relations. And, tie up far enough back so the bow does not overhang the dock, impeding passage.
At a mooring field or docking at a slip, get permission before tying up. Most marinas have designated VHF radio frequencies, so call ahead to be sure. The last thing you want is to have boaters arrive home from a day on the water only to find you’ve hijacked their regular spot. Although sailors tend to be an affable bunch, these kinds of incidents can escalate quickly, and are not particularly conducive to easy summer living.
Fuel Dock 101
When tying up at a fuel dock, be aware that other people may be waiting. Follow the posted safety procedures, pay your bill, and pull away from the dock. This is not the time or place to get into lengthy discussions or run for ice. If you have other errands to do, finish fuelling and move to a visitor dock or back to your own slip.
Common Equipment
Marinas provide a certain amount of common equipment for the convenience of members. The mast dock is heavily utilized in spring and fall, but members will periodically need to tie up for repair and inspection work. Don’t imagine that just because it’s mid-season you can tie up there and make a quick run to the closest convenience store. It will never be close enough if someone is waiting to use the mast dock.
Hoses are another item often in high demand. Use it and put it back. Most marinas also supply a reasonable number of carts for ferrying supplies. If a few people decide to unpack and store their goods before returning the cart, that number quickly becomes inadequate. Unload your goods and return the cart before stowing them below.
Neat and Tidy; Tidy and Neat
Cleanliness may not be next to godliness, but when it comes to the limited space around a floating finger, it is right up there. With that in mind, coil your ropes and keep the area around your slip free from trailing power cords and lines. As well, do not leave gas cans or other debris sitting on the dock, ensure there is no oil in your bilge before pumping over the side, and resist the urge to discharge the head while at the dock or in a mooring field.
Noise
Many a sailor has been driven to the point of distraction by a rattling halyard. Make it habit of tying them down after docking and at the same time, shut off your VHF radio. Sound travels exceptionally well over water, so take extra care when arriving late in the evening or early in the morning. Remember to lower both your voice and your music.
Guest Behaviour
It’s a good idea to escort your guests to your boat. This gives you a chance to go over a few ground rules with them, such as keeping pets on leads and discouraging children from racing up and down the docks.
Entertaining at your slip? Monitor your guests. One disgruntled boat owner reports arriving for an early morning sail only to discover that a party at the next slip had overflowed into his cockpit leaving behind empty bottles and more than a few sticky spills. Needless to say, the relationship between these two neighbours turned very frosty.
A final note: take your cue from your neighbour. Some sailors enjoy camaraderie while others prefer solitude. After all, it’s summertime and the living is easy.
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