Chapter 3: Operating Your Boat—Safely

The directions that follow will be illustrated by diagrams and with Flash animations. (Most students will already have Flash installed. If not, follow this link to install the Flash Player.)

Casting Off

Before casting off:

Keep your boat tied to the dock while you warm up the engine.
Make sure everyone on board is seated and wearing a life jacket.
Check that the engine is running properly and the departure area is clear of traffic. Then begin to cast off.

If there is no wind or current:

Cast off the bow and stern lines.
Shift to forward and slowly move forward, gradually turning your boat away from the dock.

If the wind or current direction is toward the dock:

Cast off the stern line. Move and secure the bow line to a mid-boat position on the dock. Make sure fenders are in place on the bow.
Put the boat into forward gear briefly, and turn the steering wheel hard toward the dock. Increase speed slowly until the stern is well clear of the dock.
Cast off the bow line. Back out slowly until you have room to shift into forward and turn away from the dock.

Casting off with wind holding boat to dock
Movie: See the action!

If the wind or current direction is away from the dock:

Cast off the bow and stern lines.
Use an oar or boat hook to keep the boat clear of the dock. Let the wind or current carry the boat away from the dock.
Once there is sufficient clearance, shift into forward gear and slowly leave the area.

Casting off with wind pushing boat from dock

Movie: See the action!

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