Captains Handbook | Page 29

To moor alongside a quay, place one crew member at each mooring line, forward and aft. Approach the quay slowly, keeping the bow into the wind or current; the boat should form an angle of around 45° with the bank. When you are two to three metres away, slow down by going into reverse. As soon as the bow touches, a crew member should jump ashore and make fast. The stern can then be pulled in by hand. BOAT HANDLING Mooring parallel to the quay How to avoid accidents Most accidents occur when a boat is being moored or in a lock. Here are some rules to follow: never let children put their feet or hands out of the boat while approaching a quay. if you make a mistake, do not try to limit the damage by pushing the boat out with your hands or feet. check the nature of the ground before jumping ashore. never moor with your lines across a towpath. Anyone passing could injure themselves badly. Mooring stern to the quay In many ports, you will be obliged to moor your boat “stern on”. This manoeuvre can be particularly difficult, especially if there is a strong wind or current. It is important to come in forward, as close as possible to the place you wish to moor. Turn around making sure you allow for wind or current, and finish in reverse gear. If necessary, a crew member should get off to help the manoeuvre. 29