Cruising Communication & Courtesy

Communication

We generally have group radio net communications in the morning (at 8:30am) and again in the evening (at 8:30pm).  (We recommend setting recurring alarms on your phone to remind you to turn on your VHF radio.)  This allows us to keep track of everyone and make everyone aware of potential weather issues or float plan changes.  In addition, at the cruise director's discretion, we may have a WhatsApp group of participating boaters so that we can communicate with each other easily between radio nets. Each boat must be responsible for tuning in and keeping informed about group plans, as well as letting the group know of your plans.  Radio net times may change depending on activities and weather but you’ll be notified ahead of time.  Many members also tune into Roy Eaton’s North Channel Cruiser’s Net at 9am.

• For boats going off from the main group we ask that you keep in contact with us; let us know where you are; and try to meet up with the group as much as possible.
  
  

• The goal will be to stick as close to the float plan as possible, but this may change as wind and weather dictate.  All changes in schedule will be covered during the Nets.
  
  

• Remember the proper operating procedure when using the VHF radio. Use channel 16 to hail another boat (or the group), then immediately announce your switch to another clear channel, e.g. 72 or 71, to continue your conversation. If you are hailing a boat within sight distance, you should switch to low power (1W) or use a lower watt channel such as 17.  Channel 16 is ONLY for hailing and emergencies.  Security calls for Little Detroit passage should be made with 1W.
  
  

• While underway ALWAYS monitor VHF Channel 16. If you have a dual monitoring capability, set the second channel to 72. Canadian Marinas monitor Ch. 68. 

Courtesy

• Treat the area and other boaters with respect.  No littering or discharging of waste or oils into the water.
  
  

• Spyder Bay Marina, Little Current Town Docks and Killarney all have recycling bins alongside the trash bins.  Use them.  Gore Bay recycles cans and bottles only.  It may be difficult to get rid of trash in Killarney.
  
  

• When coming into an anchorage where other boats are already anchored, go dead slow and look for a spot that is not too close to another boat.
    

• When anchoring near other boats, try to ask how much rode they have out so that you can gauge swing radius.  Be mindful of anchoring too close to boats that are not in our group.
  
  

• Protect the trees. When tying off to shore, try to tie to rocks or stumps rather than live trees.  Padding under your shore lines on live trees is strongly recommended.
  
  

• Keep in mind that wildlife lives here and we are just visitors.  Please do not disturb or harm the wildlife (with the exception of bugs). You may see snakes in some anchorages.  You may see bears. Leave them alone and they will leave you alone.  If anchoring near shore, do not leave food out in your cockpit overnight.
  
  

• Noise should be kept to a minimum after dark, so as not to disturb those who turn in early.
  
  

• When going to shore around boats that are shore tied, please ask permission if you use their shore lines to aid in getting out of your dinghies.
  
  

• It is an unwritten rule that the first boats into an anchorage determine the anchoring policy.  If they are tied to shore, you should either tie to shore or anchor a good ways away from them.  Likewise, if they are swinging on an anchor, you should not tie to shore nearby.  Boat collisions are not a good way to make friends.