Boating, and recreational sport, has been around for over 300 years. During this time many customs and traditions have been developed to help relieve the stress that comes naturally to cope with the elements. No matter how long you have been browsing there’s always that feeling of tension when you are there on their own. If this feeling never goes away, you should probably take the golf. If underway, anchoring, mooring, berthing in the marina or cruising with friends, not add stress to the navigation of its neighbor to ignore the custom and tradition.

Obviously, the rules of the road is going to dictate how to use the ship in motion in order to avoid the collision. But what if there is no risk of collision, which then are free to do whatever you want when operating in the vicinity of other vessels? Above all, remember that you are responsible for their own root and any damage caused by it.

When passing a slower vessel in open waters, as they do a lot of space as conditions allow depth and speed, if necessary, to avoid rocking the other vessel. There is nothing worse than being below in a slow trawler or sail boat, cooking breakfast, and suddenly be overcome in about a strong, alarm pull, slow browser. Especially if the root causes of hot bacon grease and coffee to be launched around the kitchen.

It should be remembered that sometimes the boat being overtaken may need to slow its speed to accommodate the overtaking vessel. If carried out at 8 knots, the boat can move slowly to about 10 knots that still have enough speed difference to pass successfully. However, they still exceed the speed ship launches an uncomfortable awakening. You may need to slow to 4 knots to allow the ship to go beyond the 6 knots, allowing a much smaller wake.

If you are passing a sailing vessel, if possible, to overcome either move back or downwind in a crossing situation, not to block her wind.

Be sure to enter an anchorage or mooring area at a slow speed. This is like moving to a new neighborhood. You want your neighbors to like you. Again, you do not want to create a wake that would upset someone a meal or drink.

Remember that the first person in the anchor has the right to determine the turning radius. Do not get too close to other boats anchored. The wind can change in minutes and can be fouled and tangled anchor lines, and boat hulls, and banging against each other. Never forget the shock that caused a night away from the Bitter End in the British Virgin Islands-afternoon when a boat anchored get too close to another. The change of wind in 0300 caused them to tangle with one another and soon there were angry and two burly sailors on the deck without clothing, but armed with spotlights, shouting and cursing, while another with blinding lights. Not a pretty sight! Speaking of pockets, if you need to use one, make sure you do not inadvertently blind neighbor.

Before anchoring to assess their behavior, the music, the people on board, children, pets and smoke of the barbecue that is intended to create, below which should be their neighbors. The sound carries exceptionally well over the water and many sailors early retirement of an early exit. I respect your right to sleep in peace. Also, remember that any comments you make can be heard.

If you are using your boat at night to go to the coast or visit the other anchorage, do so using the paddle and not outboard. How could the land if it is anchored in ten feet of water? Some surfers are friendly and like to socialize, while others are thinking and just wants to be left alone. If you are rowing around the anchorage and see people on deck, must be friendly but not intrusive unless, of course, encouraged. Tradition dictates that if you approach another vessel must do so in the starboard side of six to ten feet away. If you strike a conversation and recognized by the tenor of strangers who really are not interested, just move out of your space.

Be sure to get permission before picking up a guest mooring. Can be reserved for another sailor who arrive late or it may be inappropriate for your boat.

When you stop for fuel, keep in mind that other boats can not wait to get to the fuel dock. Do not leave your boat to collect food or hang out at the bait shop. Tie securely, follow proper procedures for fuel, pay the bill and move to another docking area or guest slip if you have to do other businesses on the ground.

If you are already docked safely in the marina and there is dockmaster or assistant to help sailors and dock and undock all, it is courteous to help others in their neighborhood with their lines. This may sound like an oxymoron, but the navigation is like a fraternity of individuals. Everyone is entitled to their space, but the entire world provides assistance where necessary.

Be sure to keep the area clear around your slip. Roll up and stow hoses, power cords out so that no trip to a bystander who is seeking in its new radar reflector. Keep buckets, mops, tackle, docking lines and other items stowed in its proper place, not strewn around the dock. When finished with trucks or other equipment for the marine use, make sure to put back where it belongs so that others have access.

Every time you invite guests aboard during the day, a weekend or a long trip, you should explain to them beforehand what is expected of them, especially if they are not experienced sailors. If it is expected to perform their duties on board to make sure they know (and how) before giving the order of cotton the deck or handle lines. If you have special “rules” regarding the behavior of your boat (snuff, alcohol, etc.), let them know before your arrival.

Instruct your guests to bring a minimum of clothing appropriate to the climate in which it is operating, as well as their final destination. Make sure each guest has a good pair of skates deck shoes. If your plans are to go to land for activities other than lying on the beach, make sure you bring something more appropriate than a bathing suit and thongs. Explain the problem of limited space on the boat and ask them to pack their gear in a duffle bag or other expensive and foldable luggage.

If you are planning to visit foreign ports, make sure your guests know in advance which documents and have to bring and make them aware of local customs to be aware of.

When they reached the missions, assigning each one a box where you can store your gear and make it clear that everything should be kept in its place assigned. Could be dangerous or impairing the operation of your vessel to take clothing and other gear float loose.

Make sure your customers know your departure time is based on the current tide, weather conditions and time for the next destination. You should explain that it must be on board, have stowed gear and be willing to leave well before the departure time has been set.

Also explains that the rise time and the brightness is based on the convenience of all and the cruise on board the plans for the day. You, as employer, should be the first to stand up and the others should follow soon after. The guests aware of the shortage of washing and toilet facilities on the boat and give instructions for more time to others. Fund also instruct on the use of the marine head and the importance of water conservation when cruising between destinations. Be clear, too, when will be announced on the night that it was time to retire around the world should.

Familiarize their guests with safety and emergency procedures before leaving the dock. Explain procedures for fuel, docking and undocking plans, etc. Make sure that someone on board is able to take care of you and to operate the VHF radio to call for help if they become disabled.

Being in front, honest and direct with all your guests on board will have a safer and more pleasant journey.