Docking & Securing

Purpose-Value:

  • Practice and develop the boathandling skills of returning to a dock and/or slip and securing the boat.

Setting Up the Drill:

  • Equipment: powerboats rigged with bow, stern and spring lines, and fenders
  • For beginning operators, use a dockside that aligns with the wind or current (whichever is stronger).
  • For sufficiently advanced operators, use a dockside that has a crosswind or crosscurrent (whichever is stronger).

Conducting the Drill:

  • Operator in each boat will brief crew, and will dock and secure the boat.

Teaching Tips:

  • This drill is usually used for operators with some experience.
  • For first-time operators without a trainer onboard, the Rubber Docking Drill should be used until the operators have developed their skills enough to avoid hitting the dock hard.

Common Errors:

  • Making approach at a speed greater than minimum control speed.
  • Turning the engine (or rudder) in the wrong direction when reversing to bring the boat parallel to the dock.

References:

  • Safe Powerboating Handling On-Water Skill Standards 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 8.1, 8.2 and their rubrics
  • Start Powerboating Right! textbook pp. 38, 54, 55, 56, 57, 61 & 62 (rudder steering)