Practical Seamanship / Boat Systems

Basic docking geometry

Technical visualDocking basics
Docking basicsA conceptual docking sequence showing assessment, slow controlled approach, use of lines and fenders, and reassessment as wind, current, geometry and vessel response vary.1ASSESS2APPROACHSLOWLY3LINES +FENDERS4REASSESS
Docking basicsA conceptual docking sequence showing assessment, slow controlled approach, use of lines and fenders, and reassessment as wind, current, geometry and vessel response vary.1ASSESS2APPROACH SLOWLY3LINES + FENDERS4REASSESS
There is no universal docking approach for every vessel, current or wind.

Before the final approach:

rig lines

place fenders

brief crew

identify wind and current

identify the intended stopping point

know which line should go ashore first

Approach at the minimum speed required to retain adequate control.

Do not use hands, feet or legs as fenders between boat and dock.

Prop walk, outdrive steering, jet-drive response, pod drives, twin engines and sailboat keel/rudder behavior differ, so no universal docking-turn diagram should imply otherwise.

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