Docking and Maneuvering Standard - ASA 118 - Knowledge and Skills

Sep 24, 2026

DRAFT Standard V4 Rev 28 March 2024 defines the Docking and Maneuvering Standard (ASA 118) for sailors who already have experience handling sailboats under power. It targets safe, competent docking and maneuvering of monohulls or catamarans using auxiliary engines in diverse conditions. The standard covers steering and propulsion theory, effects of wind and current, pivot points, helm controls, prop wash/blast/walk, rudder authority, and gear precautions. It also specifies practical skills such as docking plans, controlled stopping, straight-line backing, confined-space turns, reverse docking, figure-eight transits, spring-line use, slip docking/undocking, Mediterranean mooring, line handling, and core knot construction.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Knowledge

Docking and maneuvering theory

Propulsion, steering, and environmental effects

Safety, crew duties, and mooring methods

Skills

Planning and docking operations

Confined-space maneuvering and reverse gear

Docking/undocking techniques with wind and spring lines

Mooring, line handling, and knots

DRAFT Standard V4 Rev 28 March 2024 Docking and Maneuvering Standard (ASA 118) PREREQUISITES: Experience handling sailboats under power. ASA 103 recommended. DESCRIPTION: The successful sailor will have the knowledge and skills to safely and competently dock and maneuver a sailboat under auxiliary power (inboard and outboard engines) in a variety of conditions. Includes knowledge of steering and propulsion theory, wind and current, single and double-rudder monohulls, catamarans, safety precauOons, knots and line handling, ﬁxed and ﬂoaOng docks. This endorsement may be obtained on a monohull or a catamaran. KNOWLEDGE 1. Describe the characteristics that affect a boat when docking or maneuvering, including hull and keel shape, prop hand, prop shaft angle, pivot point, rudder(s), and windage. 2. Explain the relevance of a boat’s pivot point when moving forward or astern. 3. Describe the helm controls available for propulsion and steerage. 4. Explain prop wash, prop blast, and prop walk and their effects on maneuvering a boat. 5. Define rudder authority and how it is obtained. 6. Compare maneuvering differences between single-rudder and twin-rudder monohulls. 7. List the precautions for maneuvering in Reverse gear. 8. Explain how a bow thruster is used to maneuver a boat. 9. Explain how wind and current affect a boat while docking. 10. Describe the purpose, selection, and use of docking accessories including fenders, boat hooks, and dock lines. 11. List the common knots used for docking and their applications. 12. Explain why and how to double a line, take a turn, and surge a line. 13. Describe how to properly secure dock lines and fenders when moored alongside or in a slip. 14. Compare the implications of fixed vs floating docks when securing a boat. 15. Describe transits (ranges) and how they are used when docking. 16. Explain how to use the “ferry glide” technique in current. 17. Describe the use of spring lines during maneuvering and docking. 18. State the safety considerations during docking. 19. Describe crewmember duties during docking and undocking procedures. 20. Describe the Mediterranean Mooring process and compare different methods for securing the bow. 21. Compare maneuvering features between atwin-screw catamaran and a monohull, including pivot point, visibility, differential gear and power, and use of rudders. 22. Explain the process for docking a sailboat with a failed engine. DRAFT Standard V4 Rev 28 March 2024 SKILLS 23. Prepare a docking/undocking planto include the following factors: | • Assessment of boat conﬁguraOon and condiOon
• IdenOﬁcaOon of equipment, including boat hooks, fenders, and lines
• Dock and fairway conﬁguraOon
• Routes of exit and entry
• Water depth
• Wind and current direcOon and strength
• PotenOal hazards
• Crew assignments and instrucOon
• Emergency abort opOons and procedures
24. Make a controlled stop alongside an object. | | --- | | 25. Drive forward, stop, and back up, under control and in a straight line. | | 26. Maneuver the boat in a confined space, including performing a ‘standing turn’maneuver, turning the vessel 360 degrees using rudder position and gearshift/throttle control while remaining in acircle not exceeding two boat lengths in diameter. | | 27. In Reverse gear, back up and stop at a dock or mooring buoy. | | 28. Round objects in a figure-eight course in Forward gear and in Reverse gear. | | 29. Dock alongside (a parallel dock) using wind and prop walk to advantage. | | 30. Dock alongside with wind blowing the boat onto the dock. | | 31. Undock from an alongside slip with the wind blowing the boat onto the dock; use spring lines to spring out the stern orthe bow. | | 32. Dock alongside with wind blowing the boat away from the dock, using an aft-led spring line. | | 33. Undock from an alongside slip with the wind blowing the boat away from the dock, using spring lines as needed to a

FAQs

What prerequisites are required for ASA 118 docking and maneuvering?

The standard requires experience handling sailboats under power, with ASA 103 recommended. This endorsement focuses on the knowledge and skills to dock and maneuver safely.

Which knowledge topics are covered under the ASA 118 standard?

It includes boat characteristics affecting docking, pivot point relevance, helm controls, prop wash/blast/walk, rudder authority, differences between single- and twin-rudder monohulls, reverse-gear precautions, bow thruster use, wind and current effects, docking accessories, and knot/line techniques.

What key skills must a candidate demonstrate for docking and maneuvering?

Skills include preparing a docking/undocking plan, executing controlled stops, driving forward and backing in a straight line, confined-space turning (including a standing turn), docking and undocking with reverse and wind considerations, using spring lines, performing Mediterranean mooring, coiling/heaving dock lines, and constructing multiple docking knots without assistance.

Sep 24, 2026

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