Coming alongside & departing session
UNDERSTANDS:
- Preparation & use of lines and fenders, attachment to boat, stowage under way
- Speed & angle of approach
- Wind effect
- Method of approach in tidal stream or current
CAN:
- Come alongside
- Make fast alongside
- Use springs
- Leave - ahead or astern
Aim: To safely come alongside a pontoon, secure to the dock then depart.
Session Structure (E.D.I.C.T.S.)
EXPLAIN:
- What it is that you're going to do?
- Why you'd do it?
- Where you're going to do it?
- When you would come alongside?
- How you will come alongside (varying techniques dependant on location & conditions)
DEMONSTRATE:
- Brief your crew and issue tasks (i.e. putting out fenders, preparing lines etc)
- Carry out a coming alongside and departure demonstration (if you do not manage a 'perfect' demo, then admit your errors and complete again)
IMITATE:
- Get each of your students to carry out the exercise (following the P.A.M.E. method)
CORRECTION:
- Where areas need improving, give your student/s positive, constructive feedback (praise burger)
TRAINING / TRY AGAIN:
- Allow your student/s to repeat the exercise until they can perform the task.
SUMMARY:
- Confirm understanding with your students by asking open questions and highlight the key teaching points.
P.A.M.E.
PREPARATION:
- Fenders out
- Lines prepared
- Crew tasks
- Locate an appropriate pontoon/berth
- Assess direction of drift (wind/tidal flow)
APPROACH:
- Where possible approach into the direction of drift to assist with speed reduction
- Decide on the most appropriate angle of approach
MANOEUVERE:
- Super slow approach (i.e. spend more time in Neutral than Forward gear)
- Aim to be stopped completely when alongside, approx 1ft away from pontoon rather than right next to it to allow space for fenders and stop unnecessary rubbing on the pontoon
ESCAPE:
- Always have an escape route in mind before and during the manoeuvre. i.e. steer away or go into reverse etc.
Coming Alongside a pontoon - Ferry Gliding Technique
Coming Alongside a Pontoon into the wind or tidal stream can be done very simply, safely and easily using a technique known as ferry gliding. By using the element/s to control your speed and direction with gentle throttle use you can 'crab' your powerboat into a pontoon to ensure you arrive gently. This is a very non-stressful way of getting your boat alongside! In this video we had 35 knots of wind blowing (Force 6) so using another technique may have been a little more speedy / stressful !
Securing your powerboat to a pontoon
