When the bow is alongside the dock, what is the proper action?

When the bow is alongside the dock, what is the proper action?

• A. Secure line to a cleat
• B. Drop anchor
• C. Throw line and hope
• D. Put engine in forward

Answer: (A)

When the bow is alongside the dock, secure a line to a cleat on the dock. This provides a fixed, strong tie point to hold the boat in place and prevent it from drifting toward or away from the dock as wind, current, or waves act on it. After tying the bow line, you’d typically add a stern line and, if needed, a spring line for extra control and to protect the hull with fenders. Dropping an anchor isn’t practical when already docked, throwing a line and hoping offers no control and is unsafe, and putting the engine in forward could push the bow into the dock and cause damage.

When the bow is alongside the dock, secure a line to a cleat on the dock. This provides a fixed, strong tie point to hold the boat in place and prevent it from drifting toward or away from the dock as wind, current, or waves act on it. After tying the bow line, you’d typically add a stern line and, if needed, a spring line for extra control and to protect the hull with fenders. Dropping an anchor isn’t practical when already docked, throwing a line and hoping offers no control and is unsafe, and putting the engine in forward could push the bow into the dock and cause damage.