Author: Will Hay
Understanding and following the ways of the water will not only make your time out on the water more enjoyable, you’ll also be looking after your fellow boaties and the marine environment. Here are five top areas for mastering the art of being a considerate boatie and a great on-water neighbour!
1. Smart anchoring and mooring
Picture this: You’ve just navigated to your favourite bay, ready to drop anchor, stretch out in the sun and enjoy the serenity. But just as you settle in, another boat pulls up far too close, their music blaring, anchor dragging dangerously near yours which not only disrupts your peace but also puts you instantly on edge about your boat’s safety.
Anchoring and mooring properly isn’t just about securing your own boat - it’s about ensuring you’re not interfering with others. Here are some tips to anchor courteously:
- Choose your anchorage wisely: Avoid busy channels, marked swimming areas/ski lanes, or spots that may block other vessels’ ability to manoeuvre in and out of key accessways. If you're in a crowded bay, scan the area and position yourself with ample space around neighbouring boats to ensure you have adequate distance around you. Don’t forget to check the local rules to ensure there aren’t any anchoring restrictions in place, such as underwater cable protection zones and MPI controlled areas.
- Set your anchor correctly: Make sure your anchor is fully dug in and that your swing room isn’t encroaching on another vessel’s space. A dragging anchor can cause damage and create unnecessary headaches for everyone nearby. Top tip: mark your position on your plotter or anchor GPS app to alert you if you drag or drift too far off your original position. This not only gives you a warning, but it may help you sleep a little easier at night knowing you have a ‘virtual watch’ especially in a new anchorage.
- Monitor the weather: Before you have set off, chosen your spot, and once you have set your anchor make sure you always keep an eye on the weather for the duration of your stay. No one wants to be woken up in the middle of the night when the wind has altered by 180 degrees and what was once a nice calm location suddenly becomes a sleepless night.
- Be mindful when using public moorings: If you tie up to a mooring buoy, keep your stay reasonable, especially in high-traffic areas. These moorings are often first-come, first-served, so don’t overstay if others are waiting. And just make sure that it is for public use before tying off so that you’re not interfering with a commercial boat or activity that normally moors there.
- Communicate: If you're unsure about where to drop anchor, don’t hesitate to chat with nearby boaties. A quick wave and a friendly word can prevent frustration later on.
2. Courtesy at the boat ramp: Keeping the flow moving smoothly
For most trailer boats, the ramp is often the first and last stop of any trip, but on a busy summer day it can turn into a chaotic bottleneck if boaties aren’t mindful of proper etiquette. A little preparation and courtesy can go a long way in keeping things moving efficiently for everyone.
- Prepare before you reach the ramp: Don’t wait until you're on the ramp to load gear, remove tie-downs or check the engine. Use the designated preparation area or nearby parking to get your boat ready before pulling into position.
- Be efficient when launching and retrieving: Once it’s your turn, act quickly and confidently. If you're new to launching, practice in a quieter setting before peak season to avoid holding up others.
- Move your vehicle promptly: After launching, park your trailer straight away and avoid taking up unnecessary space. When retrieving, wait your turn and be ready to move as soon as your boat is secured. Some ramps have dedicated launching and retrieving lanes, so make sure you identify these and coordinate accordingly.
- Offer help when needed: If you see someone struggling with their trailer or having a tough time at the ramp, a quick offer of assistance can keep things running smoothly and foster that good boating camaraderie.
3. Respect for the environment
New Zealand’s marine environment is one of our greatest treasures and every boatie plays a role in protecting it. Here are some simple tips to consider your on-water impact:
- Noise control: Keep music and engine noise at respectful levels, especially in quiet anchorages or near wildlife zones to be mindful of local fauna and people.
- Proper waste disposal: Always bring your rubbish back to shore and dispose of it properly, no matter how small or biodegradable it may claim to be. Even small pieces of waste can harm marine life or cause a safety issue for other boats.
- Be mindful of fuel, oil or chemicals: Avoid spills when refuelling by using absorbent pads and ensuring no overflows occur. If you do have a spill, report it immediately to the harbour master.
- Anchoring responsibly: Avoid dropping anchor in fragile seabed habitats such as seagrass beds or near reefy outcrops. If public mooring buoys are available, use them instead to minimise seabed disturbance.
- Respect marine life: When encountering dolphins, seals, or whales, slow down to a no wake speed and observe from a distance of at least 50 metres (or 200m for any whale with a calf). For more information, check out DOC’s handy guide to sharing our coasts with marine mammals.
4. Navigating narrow channels: Sharing the water without making waves
Aotearoa’s coastlines and lakes are home to countless narrow passages, inlets and estuaries where boats must navigate carefully to avoid congestion and hazards. On a busy day, these channels can become bottlenecks of frustration and, even worse, safety hazards if we don’t all play our part to be considerate. Some callouts for navigating narrow channels safely are:
- Know before you go: Before heading out, familiarise yourself with the local maritime rules of the area. Skippers are responsible for operating their vessels in accordance with legislation and local bylaws, so understanding right-of-way rules, speed limits, and local no-wake zones is essential especially in new waterways. Coastguard’s Day Skipper and Boat Master courses are a great way to upskill your boating knowledge, especially around understanding charts and navigation techniques.
- Respect right of way: Give priority to vessels restricted in manoeuvrability, such as ships, ferries, or boats under sail, and as above, check the local bylaws for dedicated shipping or transit lanes that may be present. If another vessel is struggling to stay on course due to current or wind, give them ample space rather than forcing an unnecessary standoff.
- Watch your wake: Even if you're not speeding, your wake can rock smaller boats, disrupt kayakers, or cause anchored boats to slam against each other. If passing close to others, ease off the throttle and keep waves to a minimum.
- Be patient: Remember like you, everyone’s trying to get somewhere, so avoid aggressive moves, unnecessary overtaking, or cutting in too close around others. A little patience keeps the water a much happier and friendlier place.
5. Learn and follow local rules
Lastly nothing ruins a boating trip faster than unknowingly breaking the law. While we have the blanket ‘rules of the road’, each region or body of water may have its own set of maritime rules and bylaws and it’s your responsibility to know them before setting off. Some of these may include:
- Speed limits: Many harbours and waterways have strict speed restrictions, particularly near shorelines or in high-traffic areas. These rules help keep swimmers, paddlers, and other boaties safe from harm, as always, be sure to research and reference these when setting off.
- Off limit areas: Check maps and signage before heading into unfamiliar waters as there may be marine reserves, no-wake zones and restricted fishing areas that prevent or limit boating activities.
- Beacons and buoys: Identify any navigation markers in the area which help guide traffic and indicate if hazards are around so you can keep a safe distance or follow the correct channels available.
- Knowing the local channels: Each area around New Zealand has different VHF channels for ship-to-shore or ship-to-ship communication and weather info. You can find your local Coastguard VHF Radio channel on our VHF radio channel map and Nowcasting channels map.
If you want to learn more, check out Coastguard boating education courses.
Essentially, boating etiquette is about being aware - aware of your surroundings, of other vessels, maritime rules and the impact your actions have on the people and environment around you. The key takeaway is that boating is better when everyone plays their part, and we can all contribute to a more enjoyable and safer time on the water.