Ship Driver Etiquette for Ship Drivers 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is proper etiquette when anchoring near boats already anchored in an anchorage?
- Anchor as close as possible for company
- Respect the swing radius of boats already there (Correct answer)
- Drop anchor on top of someone else's rode
- Anchor in the channel for convenience
Correct answer: Respect the swing radius of boats already there
First-come boats set the pattern; new arrivals must allow room for everyone to swing.
Question 2: If you arrive in an anchorage second, who generally has the right to stay put if boats swing too close?
- The larger vessel
- The boat that anchored first (Correct answer)
- The faster vessel
- Whoever has the louder horn
Correct answer: The boat that anchored first
The vessel that anchored first holds priority; the later arrival should re-anchor if needed.
Question 3: What is courteous nighttime etiquette in a crowded anchorage?
- Run a bright spotlight across other boats
- Keep an anchor light on but avoid shining lights into others' cockpits (Correct answer)
- Turn off all lights to save power
- Play loud music to mark your spot
Correct answer: Keep an anchor light on but avoid shining lights into others' cockpits
An anchor light is required, but bright deck or spotlights into neighbors' boats are inconsiderate.
Question 4: How should a ship driver handle music and noise while at anchor near others?
- Play it as loud as desired
- Keep volume low, especially after dark (Correct answer)
- Use a loudhailer for music
- Only quiet down if asked twice
Correct answer: Keep volume low, especially after dark
Sound carries far over water, so keeping noise down respects nearby boaters.
Question 5: What is the polite way to set anchor when you are unsure your hook is holding?
- Leave and hope for the best
- Back down to test the set and monitor your position (Correct answer)
- Anchor closer to others as backup
- Tie to another boat's anchor line
Correct answer: Back down to test the set and monitor your position
Testing your set and watching for drag protects you and surrounding vessels from collisions.
Question 6: When dinghying through an anchorage to shore, what speed etiquette applies?
- Plane at full throttle between boats
- Go slow to minimize wake near anchored vessels (Correct answer)
- Race other dinghies
- Cut close to swimmers to save time
Correct answer: Go slow to minimize wake near anchored vessels
Slow dinghy speed prevents wake that rocks anchored boats and protects swimmers.
Question 7: What should you do if you must leave an anchorage before dawn?
- Rev the engine to warm it up loudly
- Depart quietly with minimal noise and light (Correct answer)
- Sound the horn to announce departure
- Wake neighbors to say goodbye
Correct answer: Depart quietly with minimal noise and light
A quiet, low-impact departure respects others who are still sleeping.
Ship Driver Etiquette for Ship Drivers 3
What is proper etiquette when anchoring near boats already anchored in an anchorage?