Boating Basics: Casting Off, Docking, Traffic Laws of the Waterways and Encountering Other Vessels

docking if there is no wind or current

-approach dock slowly at a narrow angle (about 20 degrees) -when close enough, have a passenger step on shore and secure the bow line -swing the stern in with a line or boat hook, and secure it

docking if the wind or current direction is toward the dock

-approach slowly, parallel to the dock -let the wind or current carry your boat to the dock -shift into gear briefly if you need to adjust position -secure the bow and stern lines

docking if the wind or current direction is away from the dock

-approach the dock slowly at a sharp angle (about 40 degrees) -use reverse to stop when close to the dock and secure the bow line -put the boat in forward gear briefly, and slowly turn the steering wheel hard away from the dock—this will swing in the stern -secure the stern line

procedures for casting off if the wind or current direction is away from the dock

-cast off bow and stern lines -use an oar or boat hook to keep boat clear of dock -let wind or current carry boat away from dock -once there is sufficient clearance, shift into forward gear and slowly leave the area

procedures for casting off if the wind or current direction is toward the dock

-cast off stern line, move and secure bow line to a mid-boat position on the dock -make sure fenders are in place on the bow -put boat into forward gear briefly, and turn steering wheel hard toward the dock -increase speed slowly until stern is well clear of dock -cast off bow line and back out slowly until you have room to shift into forward and turn away from dock

procedures for casting off if there is no wind or current

-cast off the bow and stern lines -shift to forward and slowly move forward, gradually turning your boat away from the dock

procedures before casting off

-keep your boat tied to dock while you warm up engine -make sure everyone on board is seated and wearing a life jacket -check that engine is running properly and departure area is clear of traffic

procedures for follow before docking

-reduce speed to minimum required to maintain steerage and use reverse gear to bring the boat to a stop well away from dock -determine wind and/or current direction while stopped by observing which way your boat drifts. -if possible, make your approach into the wind or current, whichever is stronger (this will give you more control) -have bow and stern lines ready, and put boat fenders in place -never plan to stop a moving boat with your arms or legs -when the area is clear of traffic, continue your approach

three major responsibilities of every vessel operator to prevent collisions

Practice good seamanship. Keep a proper lookout. Maintain a safe speed.

The Give-Way Vessel

The vessel that is required to take early and substantial action to keep well away from other vessels by stopping, slowing down, or changing course. Avoid crossing in front of other vessels. Any change in course and/or speed should be large enough to be readily apparent to another vessel. (A series of small changes should be avoided.)

The Stand-On Vessel

The vessel that must maintain its course and speed unless it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action. If you must take action, do not turn toward the give-way vessel or cross in front of it.

overtaking

a vessel is coming upon another vessel from behind or nearly behind the other vessel

meeting head-on

a vessel operator sees another vessel ahead or nearly ahead

risk of collision

any situation where an approaching vessel continues on a collision course (the bearing of the approaching vessel does not change), or anytime you are approaching a very large vessel

vessel engaged in fishing

any vessel fishing with nets, lines, trawls, or other fishing equipment that restricts maneuverability; however, this does not include a vessel fishing with trolling lines or other fishing equipment that does not restrict maneuverability

power-driven vessel

any vessel propelled by machinery, including a sailboat using an engine

sailing vessel

any vessel under sail and with no engine in use

windward

direction from which the wind is blowing, or upwind; this refers to the vessel that is upwind of the other

leeward

direction toward which the wind is blowing, or downwind; this refers to the vessel that is downwind of the other

vessel

every kind of watercraft capable of being used as a means of transportation on water, including seaplanes

underway

not anchored, tied to shore, or aground

How are the two vessels propelled? How are the two vessels approaching one another?

the action a vessel operator should take when encountering another vessel depends on the answers to these TWO questions

rendering assistance

the navigation rule that requires operators to stop and provide help to a vessel in distress unless doing so would endanger their own vessel or passengers

paths that cross

two vessels are on crossing paths so as to involve risk of collision