Technical information

22
DOCKING PROCEDURES
Once away from the dock, practice docking procedures to gain experience
and confidence. Procedures are listed below:
1. Practice docking in open water using an imaginary dock.
2. Practice stopping. There are three steps listed below to help you:
a. Reduce boat speed while approaching the dock.
b. Shift boat into neutral. At this point the boat should almost be
drifting.
c. Shift boat into reverse. This will stop the boat.
3. In close quarters or congested areas, all maneuvering should be at slow
speeds. Proceed with caution.
REMEMBER: DO NOT
SHIFT INTO REVERSE AT
HIGH SPEEDS. BOAT MAY
SHIFT SUDDENLY CAUSING
YOU TO LOSE YOUR
BALANCE. ALSO, THIS MAY
DAMAGE YOUR ENGINE.
Returning
Home
If you're returning the
boat to its trailer, it's a good idea to hose down the hull and lower unit with
fresh water after use to keep them free of dirt and grime. This is especially
important after use in salt water.
If you keep the boat at a dock, make sure you have placed the fenders
properly to avoid hull damage. Allow slack in mooring lines for wave and
tide fluctuations. A cockpit cover will help keep the boat clean and dry.
Emergencies
Most distress calls aren't true emergencies. In most cases, the boat is
disabled for one reason or another, but there is no immediate danger of
death or serious injury and the situation is more of an inconvenience than a
true emergency. Nevertheless, emergencies can occur, and you should
know how to cope with them whether they occur aboard your boat or
someone else's.
If you observe another boat in distress, assume it is a true emergency,
proceed to the scene and render assistance. Note: Federal Law requires
boat operators involved in accidents to offer aid to others in the accident
and in emergencies. This law's "Good Samaritan II clause also absolves you
from civil liability in the event that your assistance causes injury or property
damage.