I've always operated on the premise that,...to step on board a vessel without prior approval is a violation of the meanest kind.
Whether done to solve some problem or to "Help" the neighbor, It's a tresspassing offence. To the point, Maritime tradition has always held that one asks "Permission to board". It's an honorable act. Only in a time of peril to the vessel and/or passengers, has one the right to step aboard without permission. Taking it on yourself to "Correct" the error of an owner's Ways.. is, in my humble opion Pretentious and a violation of common curtesy on your part. While we may be offended and annoyed, we shouldn't assume that we have the right or duty to "Fix" a problem on some else's vessel. I would consider it as much an imposition, as if some "Well intentioned" soul should have stepped into my HOME to "Correct" some error of Housekeeping I may be guilty of. My boat is MY private domain and to come aboard uninvited, would be very Rude indeed! There are many proper ways to deal with the "Clanking Halyard" that's on some thoughtless neighbor's boat. "Fixing" it yourself is NOT one of them. Nor is re-tying lines, adjusting things, hell, don't even brush the cowb webs away! If you want to be a Good Neighbor, Asking permission followed by a handshake is the always the best. If he/she is unavaialable, try marina/boatyard officials. Surely a Dockmaster or Wharfinger or some PIC can approach the offender. You are always invited to come aboard my boat. But, like any good neighbor, Ask ......First ! Ralph Ahseln "Oblio" Camas WA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
