As is the case with most daily functions in the lives of human beings, there are guidelines in which we need to follow. While some of us don't pay attention to these guidelines, its the ones that do follow them who suffer most times.

Lets take a nice insightful journey into boat ramp etiquette and perhaps we can enlighten those of us who don't have the experience around ramps, or don't care about those of us who do.

1) Pull into the facility away from the ramp to unload the vehicle of food, drinks, fishing gear, and other belongings to be loaded into the boat.

2) Remove all boat straps, put in the drain plugs before you get ready to unload the boat into the water.

3) Do not try to start the boat engine while still on the trailer blocking the ramp for others to use. Let the boat drift, tie it up, then try to start the engine.

4) If you unload the craft alone use a rope. Tie the craft up then immediately get back into the tow vehicle and go park. Do not drive the boat and then tie it up leaving your tow vehicle blocking the ramp.

5) Be courteous to all of your fellow boaters whether novice or experienced. Remember, you too were once a beginner. Offer some help, it's very embarrassing not knowing exactly what to do, and it's worse when dozens of people are screamming at you. Try to help beginners and all will go by much smoother.

6) When loading the boat at days end, drive or crank the boat onto the trailer secure it, then move away from the ramp to furthur fasten it down and remove items from it.

7) Clear the ramp as soon as possible. Others will be waiting, and in case of emergency the emrgency personnel will have access to the ramp.

8) Make sure there are pfd's aboard every watercraft for each passengers on board.

9) Obey the no wake zones. They are posted for reasons.

10) Have a safe and happy trip.

Following these simple yet often overlooked steps when getting in and out of the water can make this great sport fun for everyone. Mike Panek