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ASA 118:
Docking Endorsement
The pros say, "You're only as good as your last docking." "Boring is best (when docking)." "Slow is Pro." Insurance companies say 70% of claims, to people and boats, are in and around marinas. Instead of gasps and people running to help you, get applause. Everyone who operates boats knows - docking takes skill and patience.
Afterguard instructors teach with different size and types of boats: 23' with outboard, 30+ inboard, 43' sidetie and Catamaran including a Mediterranean Moor. Key to international chartering. The new text and test for ASA 118 includes using a Catamaran's twin screw docking and close quarter maneuvering. Due to these changes now offering a 3 day course in addition to our normal 2 day option.
If have taken a shorter course can test out of what you know to be ready to add the rest of what is now taught.
There are a important tricks we can show you feel confident in close quarter, minimal speed situations. If your own boat is a challenge, bring it to class. This course fits in very well taken before or after ASA 104 Bareboat Chartering course.
2 or 3 Full Days - These do not have to be consecutive.
Scheduled on request for 2 to 4 students.
If solo and your requested dates are not in sync with others, private course cost is 1.75 of regular price.
ASA 118 Course Description
Learn to safely and efficiently dock an auxiliary powered (single inboard or outboard engine) sailboat. Knowledge of basic auxiliary power theory, engine and steering controls, proper use of dock lines, crew communication, and safety.
Before the Course
Prerequisites:
ASA 104 Course (+ Grad Sail) or Challenge (Enjoy a free ASA 104 Grad Sail with enrollment in ASA 118)
Prep:
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Sail within 1 month before class
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Purchase the ASA 118 textbook, Docking and Maneuvering Made Easy. Available at our office or on the ASA website as an ebook or hardcopy. Read the book and complete the quizzes throughout to prepare you for the course and the terminology used.
Recommended:
Docking + Heave To & Reefing Practice Sail
COB drills + Points of Sail Practice
What's Included
ASA 104 Multiple Choice Test
After successfully demonstrating 100% of the required on-the-water skills, you’ll take a written exam, which requires a minimum score of 85% to pass.
If you do not pass either the on-the-water or written evaluations, you’ll be invited to repeat the necessary portions.
Life Jacket and Safety Equipment
We can loan you a personal flotation device (PFD), also known as a lifejacket, along with other safety equipment. PFDs must be worn at all times when outside the cabin while the boat is underway. For your safety, put it on before the boat starts moving, especially when departing from or returning to the dock.
ASA Certification
Once you’ve passed the course, ASA will mail you a certification sticker to add to your logbook.
Graduation Bonus:
Enjoy a 4h half day group practice sail or 25% off your first Bareboat Charter
What to Expect
Schedule and Crew Information:
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Meeting Location: Afterguard Sailing Academy, 1285 Embarcadero, Oakland, CA 94606
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Course Duration: This is a three-day course, with classes that run from 9:30am to 4:30pm and are spent mostly on the water.
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Exam: The written exam takes place at the end of the third day of class. Students must demonstrate proficiency in hands-on skills before being permitted to sit for the written test.
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Crew Limit: Maximum of three students per boat with one instructor.
What Boats are Used:
In this ASA Course, you will be learning to dock on a range of boats with different engine configurations. The course will be tailored to suit the participants needs and current skill levels.
What to Wear:
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Layers! Look up the weather for that weekend or weekday series. Dress in layers according to the weather predictions. Vests are a good under/over layer. Use a base layer per the weather and add to it up to a wind-breaker. If raining - bring a waterproof over layer for top and bottom.
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Footwear: Soft soled shoes for traction on the deck. Non-marking required or will be scrubbing decks of black marks dark soles leave behind. No bare-feet, open toed or flip-flops. Broken toes are painful and your responsibility. This is a sincere warning.
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Headware: Recommend a brimmed hat with a keeper that will not blow off your head, for your time on the water. If cold - bring a warm hat or perhaps a warm ear covering headband.
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Hands: Garden gloves with rubberized palms and without finger tips are a plus. If cold warm gloves as well.
What else to bring:
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Bring a lunch, including water or other liquids to stay hydrated. If you bring a refillable bottle, please make sure you take it with you at the end of your course. Next to sunglasses, they are the most popular item in our Lost&Found pile!
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Always bring sunscreen, chapstick and sunglasses. Keepers for glasses and hats can save you lots of money.
Additional info:
There are bathrooms at our facility and on the boats. Please make sure to check in with your teacher about how to use the 'head 'on the boat, before leaving the docks!
What's covered in the ASA 118?
Knowledge
1. List four forces that act on a boat during docking maneuvers, how each force affects the speed and orientation of the boat, and which force is dominant.
2. Describe which forces the helmsman can control or use to advantage during docking.
3. Describe engine and rudder control as used during docking.
4. Describe how to properly secure mooring lines in a slip and alongside a dock.
5. Describe the use of spring lines during docking.
6. Describe safety considerations during docking.
7. Describe docking and undocking procedures including crewmember duties.
SKILLS
8. Prepare boat and crewmembers for docking and undocking including:
- Assessment of boat condition
- Dock and fairway configuration
- Routes of exit and entry
- Water depths
- Wind and current direction and strength
- Potential hazards
- Docking/undocking plan
- Crewmember assignments and instruction
- Emergency abort options and procedures
9. Maneuver the boat in a confined space to include performing a ‘standing turn’ maneuver, turning the vessel 360 degrees using rudder position and gearshift/throttle control while remaining in a circle not exceeding two boat lengths in diameter.
10. Undock boat as planned without collision, grounding, damage, or injury.
11. Dock parallel to a dock with wind blowing towards dock; demonstrate proper use of spring lines and attachment of lines to the dock.
12. Undock from parallel to a dock with wind blowing towards dock; demonstrate proper use of spring lines to avoid other boats moored fore and aft.
13. Dock bow into slip with a crosswind; demonstrate proper use of spring lines and attachment of lines in the slip.
14. Dock stern into slip with a crosswind; demonstrate proper use of spring lines and attachment of lines in the slip.
15. Demonstrate the proper method for heaving a line.
16. Construct and demonstrate the use of each of the following:
- Round turn and 2 half hitches
- Cleat hitch
- Bowline