Boating etiquette tips: How to be a better boatie this summer

Summer in Australia is prime time for boating. Warm water, long daylight hours and families piling onto the waterways in everything from PWCs to cabin cruisers remind us why boating is such a big part of Aussie life. But with the summer rush comes something equally important: boating etiquette.

Boating etiquette isn’t just about rules, regulations and legal requirements. It’s the unwritten code that helps everyone — swimmers, paddlers, fishos, wakeboarders, café-hoppers and families out for the day — enjoy the water safely and respectfully. And most of it comes down to simple awareness, courtesy and preparation.

So while there’s no official manual for boating etiquette, these practical tips will go a long way this summer.

If boating etiquette had a starting line, it would be the boat ramp. How you behave here sets the tone for your entire day.

Boat ramps aren’t the place for rummaging through gear, organising tackle or packing lunch. They’re process areas — and every minute counts when there’s a queue of trailers behind you.

Use the rigging zone properly

Before reversing down the ramp:

Doing this can reduce launch time to under a minute — which is what good ramp etiquette looks like.

Launch quickly and clear the area
Once it’s your turn:

If someone nearby is struggling, offer a hand. One minute of help can save ten minutes of congestion and it’s one of the most appreciated courtesies on the water.

Just because there’s no posted speed limit doesn’t mean you shouldn’t slow down.

Your wash is one of the biggest impacts you have on other boaters. Even at modest speeds, wake can affect swimmers, anchored boats and smaller craft.

Always adjust your speed based on conditions:

Many modern hulls actually produce more wash at 6–12 knots than they do on plane. In some situations, getting up and moving cleanly is the more courteous option.

Legal minimum distances — and why they’re not enough
In NSW, minimum distances include:

But good etiquette goes beyond the minimum. Giving others extra space improves safety and avoids unnecessary conflict.

Anchoring isn’t as simple as dropping the pick and hoping for the best.

Understand your swing area
If you lay out 20 metres of rope, your boat will swing in a much wider arc than you expect, especially if the tide changes, wind increases or nearby boats aren’t swinging.

With electric anchor systems becoming common, neighbouring boats may remain stationary while yours moves. If you’re the one swinging, you’re responsible for avoiding contact.

Rule of thumb:
Give yourself more room than you think you need and re-anchor if required.

Anchor with the environment in mind
Dragging anchors through seagrass can quickly damage vital fish habitat.

Instead:

Small decisions like this help protect waterways for the future.

Space and quiet are part of what makes boating special, and one inconsiderate move can ruin it.

Avoid blasting past anchored boats, even if it’s technically allowed. Wake can knock swimmers off ladders, spill lunches and spook fish.

Respect fishing space
If someone is drifting, jigging or working a lure line, don’t cut across their path.

A simple rule:
Assume every boat has an invisible “bubble” around it. Stay out unless invited.

Public jetties, café wharves and fuel docks become high-traffic zones in summer.

Be prepared before you arrive:

Don’t block access lanes, tie up sideways or disappear for extended periods. Get in, do what you need to do, and move on.

Sound travels a long way over water, often much further than you realise.

Keep music volume moderate, particularly in:

Enjoy the serenity without forcing your soundtrack on others.

One of the most underrated pieces of etiquette: A simple wave goes a long way.

It can defuse tension, say thanks and make the water feel friendlier. It’s one of the best traditions in boating and costs nothing.

Boating etiquette comes down to:

Get these right and boating becomes safer, calmer and far more enjoyable for everyone on the water.