Dock etiquette

This is a work-in-process. It's been commented on by several people so far.  If you have suggestions and ideas, please add them, or let me know. Or leave a comment of your own.

Dock Etiquette

On the False Bay dock, there are spaces for about six vehicles to stop on the right, and another three or so at the end of the dock, near the crane. Each vehicle is able to leave when they are ready, without having to wait for someone else to move first.

If these spaces are all full, and other vehicles come onto the dock, everyone is forced to wait until they load up and leave. 

When there are no empty spaces to stop, out of everyone's way,. at the side or end of the dock, it works best for additional vehicles to wait on the hill for one (or more) vehicles to leave before they drive onto the dock.

It is sometimes difficult to see clearly, especially when there are also vehicles waiting on the hill to buy fuel. If you are in doubt about whether there is a space to stop (out of the way, of course) on the dock, it is best to wait until you see a vehicle or two coming off the dock. Then you know for sure that there is at least one empty space you can use.

Some people get this, and some people don't. Often a new resident or a visitor will not use this system, but nearly always they figure it out rapidly and use the system from then on.  There are some people who have lived here and used the dock for years, even decades, that don't. Maybe they think their time is much more valuable than everyone else's. Maybe they don't think, or maybe they just don't notice.

It's a matter of being neighbourly and considerate, and using a system that makes it as convenient and easy as possible for everyone.  If it's busy, it's good to load and leave the dock as quickly as possible. It's not a good time to visit leisurely, until your vehicle is off the dock and out of the way.

 Sometimes I find it's easier to park my vehicle and walk onto the dock, and ask my passengers to. Sometimes it saves time and aggravation to carry or roll my stuff off the dock, or to go have a coffee or beer or a walk until the crowds clear out. Then I can drive down and stop in the space that's most convenient for me, with completely no pressure or rush or crowding.

It might help to think of the main part of the dock, including the area in front of the freight shed, as a no-stopping zone. It's just like the no hug zone near the ferry door, except that it isn't painted.

There's a related system when unloading stuff from the ferry, especially at busy, short-turnaround times: When you have more than one load, carry your stuff off the ferry, and pile it temporarily on the float, rather than carrying it up the ramp right away. This gets everything off the ferry quickly, so departing passengers can load their stuff onto the ferry.

And, make sure to move all your stuff up to the dock before you bring your vehicle down. Or if you're going the other way, unload your stuff onto the dock, move your vehicle off the dock, and then carry your stuff down the ramp or onto the ferry. As much as possible, leave the dock clear for those that need to use it briefly.