Docking And Mooring | ®

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Course Outline

• The Rules of the Road
• Important Definitions
• Required Sound Signaling Equipment
• Sounding Off - When and How to Use Sound Signals
• The Rule of Responsibility
• Proper Lookout
• Safe Speed
• Rules for Avoiding Collisions
• Overtaking a Power-Driven Vessel
• Approaching a Power-Driven Vessel Head On
• Approaching a Power-Driven Vessel From the Side
• Approaching a Sailing Vessel
• Approaching Another Sailing Vessel
• Operating in Heavy Traffic
• Operating in Narrow Channels
• Operating in Darkness - Part 1
• Operating in Darkness - Part 2
• Operating in Restricted Visibility
• Visual Distress Signals
• Marine Distress Signals - Anytime Use
• Marine Distress Signals - Daytime Use
• Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals
• Non-Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals
• Pyrotechnic Equipment Storage and Handling
• Number of Required Visual Distress Signals
• Aids to Navigation
• Uniform State Waterways Marking System - Part 1
• Uniform State Waterways Marking System - Part 2
• Intercoastal Waterway Markers
• Western River Markers
• Docking Mooring
• Anchoring - Part 1
• Anchoring - Part 2

Previous NEXT Docking and Mooring

Docking or mooring your vessel can be the most challenging of boating operations. Maneuvering your vessel into a dock or a mooring marker in calm conditions is hard enough—add high traffic, choppy water, and windy conditions to the mix and you quickly realize that proper docking and mooring is a real skill. Keep the following factors in mind for effective docking and mooring:

Preparation

When you approach the dock, slow your speed, secure fenders on the docking side, and ready the docking lines.

Traffic

If you are headed to a marina with limited docking stations, you may have to wait until stations open up. Be patient and courteous; approach only when you see an open station and have communicated your intention to other vessels that are departing and waiting.

Wind and Current

The direction of the wind and the flow of the water current have a huge impact on docking.

In Your Face

If the wind is in your face, you should approach the dock at a steep angle (30°-45°) and swing the boat quickly. Secure the bow first, then reverse until the stern swings in.

At Your Back

If the wind is at your back, you should approach the dock at a shallow angle (10°-20°), and then stop the boat in order to allow the wind to drift the boat into the dock.

If possible, approach the dock with the wind into your face: you have much more control when docking into the wind.

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