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Docking is a spectator and contact sport.

9/22/2012

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Picture
DO WE HAVE ENOUGH FENDERS?
We’ve all put on a show for the bystanders at one time or another when we come alongside a dock or pier. No matter how careful we are something may go wrong. As we gain experience we do better, but all docking circumstances are different, keeping us on our toes. Remind your crewmembers that they should let the boat hit rather than stick out an arm or leg – it’s not worth risking an injury. Even a small boat can hit with surprising force if it comes alongside too fast or a wave pushes it against the pier.

I’m a big fan of a midships spring line for many docking situations, even on fairly small boats. If the bow line is given to a person on the dock first, the bow almost always hits the dock (unless the line handler knows not to pull on it). A midships spring is attached to a strong point at the middle of the boat (a cleat, or a chainplate on a sailboat if there’s no midships cleat). When someone pulls on a midships spring line the middle of the boat moves towards the dock, which is what you want. There are other advantages to using a midships spring line. Check out pp. 142-143 in the Mariner’s Guide for a discussion of docking, and pp. 385-386 for spring lines and techniques used to spring a vessel.

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The pecking order - right of way priority.

9/18/2012

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Rule 18 of the Navigation Rules gives the right of way priority (pecking order) between vessels, when not in conflict with special rules for channels, traffic lanes, or when overtaking. Rule 3 defines the types of vessels. It’s essential to memorize the order. The highest priority  goes to an overtaken vessel (all overtaking vessels stay out of the way). In descending order, the others are: Not Under Command, Restricted in Ability to Maneuver, Constrained by Draft, fishing vessel, sailing vessel, power-driven vessel, seaplane (lowest priority). Rule 3 defines the vessels. There is a memory aid in the right of way priority entry, p. 335 in the Mariner’s Guide. The text of the rules is available at www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=navRulesContent.

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Are charts really necessary?

9/15/2012

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The answer depends upon the type of boating you do and where you do it. On some lakes and in familiar waters not far from shore, where you can reliably see landmarks, some boaters don't use a chart (or there isn't a chart available). If you travel out of sight of shore, or away from home waters, or operate at night, you need charts. You'll have to decide if a handheld device that has GPS and integral electronic charts (such as a GPS unit, a tablet, or a smart phone) is sufficient for safe navigation where you operate. Basic considerations are the size of the screen and its readability in daylight, the battery life, and the water resistance of the device. Read articles about how handheld devices can be used - it's an evolving technology that may be suitable for some boaters. If you travel away from familiar waters, GPS and either a chart plotter or paper charts is still the way to go for now, with the new technology as a backup.
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What happens if you run aground on an equinoctial tide?

9/4/2012

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The highest spring tides occur on or near the dates of the equinoxes. If you go hard aground or strand on a high equinoctial tide the boat may be stuck there for six months, unless a crane or heavy-lift helicopter can be hired, or the boat is small enough to move by other less-expensive means. Watch the depths and the calendar where you operate!
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    Priscilla Travis spends more than 110 days each year on the water, takes photos, and writes about nautical topics.

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DISCLAIMER: The information and advice on this website constitutes personal opinion, and must be understood as such. It’s offered to enhance public knowledge and promote a better understanding of nautical topics. It must never be considered a substitute for professional legal, medical, safety, or other advice.