Do's & Don'ts For Jet Boat Owners

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Boating has an etiquette that is more common than other activities and sports. It refers to the customary code or polite behavior of members of a specific profession or group. Etiquette in boating is more than just social norms. It's also important for safety. So it's a good idea to be familiar with some rules before you tie your Scarab's dock lines.

What you should and shouldn't do when navigating: Boating's rules of navigation

The rules of the road is the accepted system for the right-of-way. You must adhere to them in order to be courteous as well as safety-minded. Although these rules can be complicated and extensive, most recreational boating situations will only require you to know a few. The "stand-on" vessel has the right-of-way and the "give-way" vessel must accommodate the other.

  1. If two boats are coming towards each other, it is a good idea for them to turn to starboard and then pass port-to–port. This way, it's easy to determine the intentions of each captain and avoid a collision.
  2. A sailboat that is under sail has priority over a powerboat. It is considered a powerboat if it has an engine and sails are up.
  3. Your responsibility is to keep your speed and course when you are being overtaken. If you find yourself in this situation, slow down and let the other go. Captains have the responsibility to avoid collisions regardless of who has the right of way.
  4. If they approach you from the right, they are the stand-on vessel.
  5. Canoes, SUPs, kayaks, and other human-powered vessels (kayaks or SUPs) are all examples of human-powered vessels. All other vessels, including sailboats, have the right of way.
  6. You should take care of another vessel whose maneuverability is limited by its size, draft, or other reasons.
  7. Two boats sailing under sail have the same right of way. The one on the starboard (wind coming over the deck side) has priority over the one that is on the port. If they are both on the same tack the leeward (downwind boat) has the right.

What you should and shouldn't do for boat and dock launches

  • DON'T delay in loading or launching your file so that others can take their turn.
  • Do not delay your boat's departure from the trailer. Instead, pull over to a dock or beach.
  • DO NOT load your guests or gear at the boat ramp, but from the dock.
  • Do not drain, wash, or unload your boat on the ramp
  • Do NOT wait at a fuel station. Get your fuel and pay your bill.
  • If you have to move your boat, it is a good idea.

Anchoring: Do's and don’ts

  • Do not tie your boat to another boat in an anchorage. Also, do not use too much line.
  • Do not set more than one anchor if everyone is on the same boat. Your boat may move differently due to the wind or current, and could collide with another vessel.
  • Respect your neighbors at the anchorage.
  • Do not share your music with anyone else.
  • A generator should not be run past 8:00 PM or before 7:00 AM.
  • Do not drive through an anchorage fast; people may be snorkeling or swimming.
  • Be sure to keep your boat in the right place so that you don't upset any other boats.
  • DO know the speed limit for harbors and be sure to respec it.

What you can and cannot do for the environment

  • Don't toss your trash too far. You may be able, if your trash is organic (e.g. an apple core), to toss it offshore
  • Do not throw organic waste into the harbor or anchorage.
  • Plastic should never be thrown overboard. Plastic is harmful to marine life and can contaminate our waterways. It also sticks around for many centuries.

What you should and shouldn't do when asking for help

  • DO offer to assist with catching the dock lines for a vessel approaching a dock
  • If the crew or captain wave you off, DON'T! They aren't seeking assistance, they have their own process.
  • Do not stop on the ocean to help a ship in distress. At the very least, you should offer to relay messages or authorities to rescue agencies.
    Legally, you are required to provide assistance as long as your vessel and yourself are not endangered

VHF Radio: Dos and Don'ts

  • DO NOT use VHF Channel 16 to make distress calls or hail.
  • Channel 16 is not the place to have long conversations with other boaters.
  • After you have connected to Channel 16, ask other vessels for a switch to another frequency in order to continue the conversation.
  • Do not make false distress calls. It is against the law.
  • Keep children away from the radio. It's communication and safety equipment, not toys.

When SHOULD you make the Mayday call?

Mayday is a distress signal that is an appeal for help.

  • If there is an immediate threat to your life, property, or the environment, you should make a Mayday Call.
  • If you run out of gas, don't call Mayday. To request assistance, call the Coast Guard or a vessel towing agency.

What you should and shouldn't do for passengers

How to deal with seasickness (which can sometimes happen)

  • Do tell someone, but primarily the captain.
  • Don't go below, it will only make things worse
  • DO NOT lie down, but look towards the horizon and take deep breaths.
  • Many people feel seasick, and that's not something to be ashamed about. It can make you feel weak, dehydrated and disoriented so be sure to take time to recover.


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