Category : Blogs

Sub Category : Miscellaneous

Congratulations on buying your very first boat. Before you can take it onto the water, there are lots of different things you need to do to get ready. That includes learning how to drive your new vehicle, as well as buying all the extra equipment such as fuel bladders marine, life jackets, and more. What you also need to know is the proper boating etiquette for those on the water. Here is everything that you need to know before your first trip out on your boat.

Approaching Other Boats

Depending on where you sail, there are likely lots of other boats using the water as well. That means you need to know how to approach other boats and manoeuvre around them safely. Typically, boat etiquette states that you should turn to starboard if you are approaching a boat directly. This isn’t a legal necessity, but it is something that most boaters do to ensure that they can pass safely.

Boats With Less Power Have More Right Of Way

On a related note, is sometimes difficult to understand which boats should have the rights of way. Most experienced boaters know that boats with less power will have more right of way.  For example, a sailboat will have right-of-way to more powerful vessels, and sailboat in turn will have to give right of way to any human-powered vessel like a rowboat.

Keep in mind that typically, if you encounter a commercial vessel, you should give them right away as they need to continue with their job. Also, they will typically not be as manoeuvrable as your vessel so remember this when you’re on the water. 

Understanding ‘Stand-On’ Vessels

When you are sailing and you do notice another boat trying to pass you, the best etiquette is to maintain your speed and direction. This makes you the ‘stand-on vessel’, and makes it much easier for the other boats to manoeuvrer.

If you notice a boat that is restricted in its movement, then this is also considered to be a ‘stand-on’ vessel.

Watch Other Boat Owners To Follow Their Cues

If you are a first time boat owner, then a great way of learning the etiquette is to watch the other boat owners at your dock. If you watch them and see what they are doing, you can follow suit. This will help everything stay orderly and organized at the dock, and often even keep things safer as you will avoid collisions this way.

Be Efficient When Fueling

Much like fueling up a car, if you need to fuel up your boat or your fuel bladders for boats, you need to do it as quickly and efficiently as possible. This is especially true if there are other boats waiting behind you for their turn. 

Get your tank and your marine fuel bladder full, and be on your way. Don’t stop to handle other matters, such as cleaning out the boats or dealing with bait or any other tasks you need to do. This ensures that everybody can get through quickly and get their own boats and fuel bladders marine fueled up.

Dispose Of Trash Responsibly

Once you are out on the water and enjoying the waves, it is important that you keep the water as clean as possible. Ensure that you are disposing of all your trash properly, by keeping it in a trash bag on board rather than throwing it overboard. Throwing plastic or other harmful trash into the water will pollute the area for others, and harm any wildlife living in it.

There are some forms of trash that are permissible to throw overboard, such as fish guts, but if you are not sure it is always better to keep it in a trash bag and throw it out when you get back to land.

Keep Noise At Reasonable Levels

You are very likely sharing the water with other boaters, so you do need to keep them in mind when you are enjoying your time on your boat. This is especially true when it comes to noise levels. If you have music, keep it at reasonable levels so it does not disturb any others around you.

Also, remember how much noise you are making at certain times. Early in the morning or late at night, you do not want to be running your generator or making other loud noises when people are maybe trying to sleep. Plus, this will use up more fuel and you will have to use at what’s in your marine fuel bladder, which is not ideal.

Be Prepared

Something that any veteran boater will tell you is that you should be fully prepared to spend time on the water. Make sure you have all the needed equipment before you head out, so you are prepared for almost any eventuality. For example, you will need life jackets and radios on board, so you are prepared in case anything happens and you need help.

It’s also a very good idea to have a marine fuel bladder onboard, as these will help you get further on your journey. Plus, fuel bladders marine are great to have in case of an emergency. It is a lot of peace of mind to have that fuel bladder for boats on board, should you ever need it.

Offer Help When Needed

You ever see anyone on your travels who needs help, it is always proper etiquette to offer it. In many cases, it is also a legal obligation, so keep that in mind. Whether that means offering them some fuel from your fuel bladders marine, or calling in help for them, make sure you offer that hand should anyone needs it.

These are some of the most important etiquette tips for those who are just beginning their journey as sailors. Make sure you are fully prepared for your trips, including having a fuel bladders for boats on board. Stay mindful of the other sailors who are sharing the water with you, and you should all be able to enjoy your trips.