Marina étiquette involves using your common sense and good manners towards those docked next to you. Remember that your neighbours can see and hear everything much more clearly than if you were in your house!
If you have never stayed in a marina before, we have put together some basic tips.
Marina Étiquette Do’s & Don’ts
Beneteau Oceanis 45 – Lisa
DO coil your excess line both on the boat and dock. This looks nice, but more importantly will prevent people tripping over. You will be liable if they trip over your line and injure themselves.
DO use your holding tanks. Nobody wants to see or smell what you flush down the head. Make sure you know the marina rules and adhere to them.
DON’T carry or pass the power cord from the boat to the dock without turning off all AC breakers on board. If the person holding it falls overboard then they will get a very nasty shock!
DO ask for permission before leaving items on the dock (such as bicycles, sails, watersports items, dinghies and anything else that causes an obstruction to other users).
DO make sure you have turned off all your cabin lights and instruments. Your neighbours will thank you for not having a bright light shining on them at night.
DO turn off the VHF radio on deck at night and leave the one inside the vessel at an acceptable level. Having a VHF radio blurting out in the middle of the night will definitely annoy your berthing buddies.
DO use discretion when operating your generator and TV or other noisy equipment on board.
DO fill your water tank periodically using a hose and the onboard water pressure pump to supply your requirements. Keeping your pressure pump working on a regular basis is good for it. You also avoid over-filling your tanks if connected to the pressure side of the water system.
DO dispose of your waste and garbage regularly in the method described in the marina rules. DON’T discharge fuel, contaminated bilge water, or solvents into the water.
DO introduce yourself to your neighbours. If you are feeling sociable then invite them over for a drink! The boating community is a friendly one, and you never know when you may need another cruisers help, or they may need yours.