What Ever Happened to Everyday Common Courtesy on the Water?

I have lived through an era when fishermen, pleasure boaters, and watercraft operators in general usually showed considerable respect for one another on any given body of water. Not so much today, though. Hence, the reason for my title on this post.

Consider the following real-life example of what can happen when someone takes their eye off the ball:

I was anchored at night, near a bridge on a local lake, when a 24-foot cabin cruiser crossed over the middle of my boat, with his hull resting on my center console and the front pedestal seat. His estimated speed was 30 to 40 mph. I took on an estimated 75 to 100 gallons of water as the other boat forced the front of my boat underwater. This whole incident took between 30 and 45 seconds from the time I initially saw him until he was on my boat and over it. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured.

As noted by the editor of the publication which ran that account, "We must maintain safety and courtesy if our sport and those who participate in it are to remain free of stigmas. Tournament competitors, crappie fishermen, sailing enthusiasts, and anyone else have a right to be on the water. It's up to each of us to respect the other's space. Accidents can happen, but they'll happen less if people are more courteous and conscientious while on the water. Be safe, not sorry."

As the numbers of vessels on our waterways continue to increase each year, such marine customs as common courtesy, good manners, and the golden rule on the water become prime ingredients of boating safety. Practicing these traditional amenities, Coast Guard Auxiliary instructors point out, is largely the exercising of common sense and fair play, as well as respecting the rights of other boaters. This practice also sets a great example for the novice skipper.

There are a number of boating courtesies and examples of good and bad manners covered in the Coast Guard Auxiliary boating classes. Here are some of the more important ones:

Speed. Keep your speed down in narrow channels, anchorages, harbors, near docks, and in the vicinity of fishing vessels, water skiers, small sail boats, and kayaks.

Wakes. Severe damage to moored vessels, docks and seawalls can result from heavy wakes. Keep your wake down in confined areas. It not only is good manners, but it's the law as well...and you can be liable for any damage caused by your heavy wake.

Buzzing. The "hot rodder" boater shows a lack of courtesy by buzzing piers, swimming areas, and other vessels. Such practice isn't only very dangerous but will draw the attention of law-enforcement personnel very quickly, resulting in severe penalties.

Pollution. The considerate boater retains used cans, cartons, garbage, and other debris in a container until the cruise ends.

Right of way. If the other boat fails to recognize your right of way, the well-mannered and prudent skipper will avoid a collision by giving way.

Anchoring. Only the thoughtless skipper anchors in mid-channel or ties illegally to a buoy or navigation aid while fishing.

Bow riding. An extremely dangerous practice, especially where children are concerned. Please do not allow this practice on your vessel.

Boozing. Drinking alcohol while operating a vessel can be a deadly practice, so don't do it! Very severe legal penalties await the boater who is arrested and charged with "boating under the influence of alcohol." You owe it to your family, passengers on your boat, and to other boaters who share the water with you to stay sober.

Giving the other fellow a helping hand when you spot a distress signal is the mark of a considerate boater and long has been the tradition and law of the sea. Even at the launch ramp, courtesy and good manners come into play. It may be something as simple as helping another boater launch his craft.

Your Coast Guard Auxiliary boating instructors stress that practicing courtesy and good manners is not only elementary but essential as well in developing boating skills and seamanship.