I’ve never had an opportunity to re-visit a topic this quickly, however I think a second visit might be needed in this case!\u00a0 In the last one week, two different people I know have ended up in the water.\u00a0 One at a dock and one at a mooring ball!\u00a0 Fortunately, the only injuries incurred\u00a0were to the pride of those involved.\u00a0 Sadly,\u00a0in both cases taking basic safety precautions would have prevented a cold, wet experience.<\/p>\n
Case number 1 … while docking at Sam’s, the bow line handler got a little too enthusiastic in pulling the bow to the dock, pulling the stern line handler into the water between the boat and the dock.<\/p>\n
Lesson 1 … you can not stop a moving 15,000 pound\u00a0boat by hand.\u00a0 You need some help in the form of friction.\u00a0 Get a line around both sides of a cleat and you can stop the boat with two fingers.<\/p>\n
Case number 2 … while picking up a mooring ball at Ayala Cove, the crew member attempting to get a line through the mooring ring leaned too far out, got off balance and fell in.<\/p>\n
Lesson 2 … Even in calm water, a boat rocks, rolls, and in general moves a lot.\u00a0 Do not lean out!\u00a0 Trying to save a less than good maneuver often ends badly.<\/p>\n
Lesson 3 … Kneel instead of standing.\u00a0 It’s much more stable.<\/p>\n
I personally believe all crew should remain inside the cockpit until two dock lines are secured.\u00a0 As the skipper of a vessel, I enforce that rule unless conditions absolutely\u00a0require otherwise, which is very rare.\u00a0 The helmsperson should bring the crewmember to the cleat.\u00a0 Crew should not need to go to the cleat.\u00a0 Crew should always kneel while handling lines\u00a0… especially during those rare occasions that require crew outside of the cockpit.\u00a0 Finally, never forget – one hand for yourself and one hand for the boat!<\/p>\n
All of these techniques are covered in the Advanced Docking (ASA 118) class.\u00a0 I highly recommend taking the class.\u00a0 If you have already taken it, take it again.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I’ve never had an opportunity to re-visit a topic this quickly, however I think a second visit might be needed in this case!\u00a0 In the last one week, two different people I know have ended up in the water.\u00a0 One … Continue reading