Let’s say you arrive at a harbor not so familiar to you and you see a number of boats anchored.
What you can do? Where do you anchor? How close to another boat? Should you use just both a bow anchor and bow-and-stern anchors?
Let’s assume you did solve the problem and finally you’re anchored. What actions you may take or what actions you should avoid?
All the questions are answered in the unwritten etiquette of harbors!
We’ll try to epitomize only but a few of the tips you may need while in a harbor.
In anchoring, the “first come”, “first served” rule, is applied. The first boat into harbor has the right to choose its anchoring location, according of course to the local restrictions, if any. Any other vessel arriving later is obliged to leave a way of departure of the first boat. In fact, this is the only rule of etiquette that has a legal priority, dictating that an earlier arrival has the right-of-way even though it’s at anchor. Boats arriving later must stay clear or they bear the responsibility for any damage.
Take into consideration the local wind changes, since it may become a problem if the boats swing in circles depending on the length of the anchor rode.
So be careful to consider what will happen if conditions change, after you’ve dropped the anchor next to another boat. Ask the skipper of the other boat how much scope has out, and if for example it is 100 feet then you better drop your hook at least 100 feet away.
The «first-come, first-served» rule also applies to the anchoring style and, if the first boat is lying to a single anchor, then all later boats should do the same. If the first boat has bow-and-stern hooks out, it sets the precedent for the anchorage. Don’t like it? Go somewhere else.
Do not anchor in any open space you think it is a good place. Move your boat carefully through the anchorage, to see how the others have anchored, how much scope they have in the water, and then make your decision on the right anchoring spot for you.
Read something also important too. If you’re looking for a peaceful and quit spot, do not anchor near a large yacht because large yachts are quite “noisy” during the night, mostly kids and air condition generators….
If, on the other hand, you’re the guy who causes all that nuisance you better find a spot away from the rest of the anchored yachts.
If your boat is already anchored, it’s good manners to help the later arrivals by giving advice of the anchoring spot on the weather or the harbor bed.
Whether you’re the first to arrive or the last doesn’t matter if you start to drag your anchor, because now you’re the burdened vessel in the eyes of the law and you must keep clear of all other boats. Everyone drags anchor at one time or another; it’s how you handle the situation that makes the difference. If letting out more scope doesn’t stop the dragging, the best thing you can do is to up anchor and move to a spot with a better bottom for the anchor to bite. Too many skippers delay the decision to move until they’re already banging into other boats, and perhaps causing those anchors to drag as well.
Once you’re settled at anchor, don’t stop being a good neighbor. If you plan to use your barbecue, don’t send clouds of smoke into the boats downwind. If you need to run your engine to charge the batteries, pick a time when it isn’t going to foul the anchorage with noise and fumes. And don’t impose your cellphone conversations on the entire anchorage, either.
Make sure that your music stays within the boat’s area and do not make the mistake of assuming that everybody is so eager to listen too
Want to socialize? Fine! Take a tour of the area and by saluting the others, you’ll know quickly if they’re interested and, if not, just keep cruising.
Finally keep in mind that the marine etiquette is quite simple and it’s all about been a good neighbor.
