Marina Etiquette and Radio Calls: Sound Like You Belong
Ever had that “what do I say on the radio?” moment at the marina entrance? You’re not alone. This guide gives you clear, UK-friendly call scripts, when to use them, and the quiet rules on the pontoons so you look—and sound—like you belong.
Before you call: quick prep
- Know the channel: many UK marinas monitor VHF Ch 80, but not all. Check your almanac or pilotage notes to find out.
- Have your info ready: boat name & type, length/draft, persons on board, where you’re from, ETA, and any needs (diesel, pump-out).
- Listen first: don’t step on an ongoing exchange; wait for a gap.
- Crew brief: fenders both sides, one bow & one stern line led outside everything, roving fender (just in case), speed under control.
Call format (keep it simple)
Structure your first transmission like this:
- Who you’re calling (once), who you are (once), where you are, what you want.
Approach call (berth request)
“<Marina Name>, this is yacht <Boat Name>. We are a <length/type>, currently <position/ETA>. Requesting a visitors’ berth for <number> nights / short stay. Draft <X.X m>. Over.”
Lock/bridge call (timed access)
“<Lock/Port Control>, <Lock/Port Control>, yacht <Boat Name>,
waiting at the outer pontoon for the next lock-in, request instructions. Over.”
If you don’t know the channel
Check the almanac first. If still unsure and you’re outside harbour limits, make a brief call on Ch 16 and be ready to shift channel:
“<Harbour/Marina Name> from yacht <Boat Name> on one-six, request working channel for berthing information. Over.”
No reply? Here’s the fallback
- Try again after 2–3 minutes; if still nothing, call “Harbour Master/Marina Office” on the alternative working channel or phone the office.
- Proceed slowly and use visitors’ berths/holding pontoons if published; don’t just occupy a vacant finger without permission.
On-air do’s and don’ts
- Do speak slowly, keep it short, and end with “Over”.
- Do use the phonetic alphabet if your boat name is unclear (e.g., “FOXTROT TANGO”).
- Don’t chat on Ch 16—shift to the working channel when directed.
- Don’t swear or share personal phone numbers on-air; it’s a public broadcast.
One-minute pre-arrival checklist
- Speed 3–4 knots max, no wake; brief crew roles.
- Fenders both sides; bow/stern lines ready and outside guardwires.
- Wind & stream noted; plan a go-around route if the berth looks awkward.
Pontoon etiquette (the quiet rules)
- Help offered, not shouted: a simple “Line?” on the pontoon; take the line, don’t yank it. Don’t assume, ask the skipper what they want you to do with it (which cleat / tie it off / pass it back). Guide the boat in—skipper steers.
- Keep fingers clear: coil lines on the boat, not the pontoon. A simple bowline around the cleat and secure on the boat, not the other way around. Don’t block fire-hose points or electricity pedestals.
- Rafting: ask first, rig fenders generously, leave a gangway, and cross over the foredeck, not through the cockpit.
- Shore power/water: route cables and hoses tidy and short; disconnect before casting off and stow ends neatly.
- Trolleys: return them; don’t park them on the fingers.
- Engines & generators: avoid running for long alongside; fumes and noise travel.
- Dogs & kids: leads and lifejackets; no bikes/scooters on pontoons.
- Waste & pump-out: use the facilities; never discharge overboard in the marina.
Departing: the tidy call
“<Marina Name>, yacht <Boat Name> on <Berth/Finger>, requesting permission to depart and any traffic information. Over.”
Common mistakes (and easy fixes)
- Calling too late: hail 5–10 minutes before arrival so the office can answer before you’re at the gap.
- Oversharing: the office rarely needs your life story—name, size, draft, request. Done.
- Lines snake-pit: lead bow/stern outside everything before you call; it halves your stress at the berth.
- Wake in the fairway: slow is seamanlike—your neighbours’ gelcoat will thank you.
Practice that sticks
- Rehearse the line once before keying the mic—your call will be shorter and clearer.
- Let different crew make the call each trip; it builds confidence and spreads load.
Handy crib for the nav table
GMDSS VHF DSC Procedures for Small Boat Users
Keep learning
- Getting In & Out of Harbour — tidy pilotage and approach routines.
- Join the free Sailing Essentials course — confidence basics.
- RYA Marine Radio VHF (SRC) — operator certificate and best practice.
Short, clear calls and tidy habits on the pontoons are what make you look like a local. Prep the lines, speak like a pro, and enjoy how easy berthing feels.
