There've been a few close calls between merchant ships and summer boaties in the Tauranga Harbour.

Recreational boaties are being warned to steer well clear of the huge ships coming into the port.

Bay of Plenty Harbourmaster Peter Buell said pilots of large ships are finding boaties aren't paying attention, and are getting in the way.

He said the large ships can't stop or change course easily, so small boats need to give way.