We must admit, there is always a certain curiosity in watching others’ docking maneuvers, perhaps while sipping a good beer on the quay. In these moments, some show the worst of themselves, smiling confidently, with a certain pride, that they would never find themselves in such situations.
However, in most cases, the sense of solidarity among sailors prevails, and this is the worst moment for those performing the maneuver with some difficulty as a novice.
The unfortunate person becomes the target of a shouting horde of captains giving orders in peremptory tones. On the quay, a group of people soon forms, gesticulating, pointing, moving their arms to illustrate angles and directions, enough to confuse anyone.
Instead, at the quay, assistance is not only important but also necessary and a sign of maritime culture. However, one must show availability and discretion, qualities that often develop over the years with experience.
Therefore, if you truly want to be helpful, you must first understand who is performing the docking maneuver. If, for example, it is a person with some experience, you quickly realize it, and we will limit ourselves to receiving the lines and passing them around a cleat or offering the mooring line to the boat hook.
In the case where a novice or an indecisive person is directing the maneuver, and you realize it just as quickly, it often happens that everything they know fades into the mist.
On our side, however, there is a tranquility partly dictated by the position on the quay and partly by experience. So, in front of the operator, even the most nervous one, any kind of shouted orders/advice must be eliminated. If the skipper asks for help, there is no doubt, we can act and support them. If the request is not quite explicit, but showing our willingness already produces an initial expression of relief on our interlocutor’s face, we begin without hesitation to speak to them calmly, providing the first useful indication: speed.
If you don’t give engine power, the boat won’t perform the maneuver. In some extreme situations, it is one of the most recommended solutions, with a boat slowly leaning on the bow of others. So, if we assess that the situation can only worsen, the best advice to give is to stay still. Then, with less tension and anxiety, we will proceed to warp the boat.
Giving precise instructions without simply repeating them with increased volume is important, even if we see no reaction from the other side. It is possible that
Very often, just a reassuring presence on the quay and a certain amount of patience will reduce tensions and calm the mind of those approaching the dock, and a stern line passed at the right moment can relieve tension more than any other inappropriate advice.
quay docking assistance
