ASA 118 Docking Endorsement: Why Do I Need It?

The inviting waters of Virginia’s coast, or anywhere else you choose to go sailing, may make you want to head out and set sail on your vessel as soon as possible. That’s why you bought a sailboat, after all. While sailing on the water can be a beautiful and exhilarating experience, there are challenging forces acting against you from the moment you step on your boat to the moment you step off. Potential hazards could include anything from choppy waters to the wind, tidal currents, and unexpected weather conditions. As captain of your sailboat, it’s your duty to make sure yourself and anyone else on board has fun safely. One of the most important parts of boat safety is knowing the proper techniques for docking and undocking your boat, that way you can set sail and return in one piece.

Norton Yachts offers American Sailing Association courses, one of which is the ASA 118 Docking Endorsement course. The ASA is the gold standard for learning how to safely sail all kinds of auxiliary powered single engine boats. You’ll be learning a world-recognized curriculum over the course of 2 days right in Virginia’s own Chesapeake Bay with a certified instructor. You’ll learn basic auxiliary power theory, steering controls, crew communication, safety, and proper docking techniques such as how to handle single inboard and outboard engine sailboats in tight quarters and methods of securing sailboats to docks in a variety of conditions. The ASA ASA 118 Docking Endorsement class is offered a few times throughout the year.  Click Book Now to see when it is offered. 

Are There Any Prerequisites for ASA 118 Docking Endorsement?

While there are no prerequisites required to take the ASA 118 Docking Endorsement course, you will at least want to be familiar with basic sailing skills. Core sailing theory and skills are taught with our ASA 101/103 Combined class. For more information, call 804-776-9211 or email at dockmaster@nortonyachts.com. 

Are There Any Study Materials for the ASA 118 Docking Endorsement Course?

Much of the ASA 118 Docking Endorsement course is hands-on learning, but before you start picturing yourself out on the boat with the wind in your hair, you will need to gain some knowledge through good old-fashioned textbook learning. The good news is that there aren’t many study materials required for the ASA 118 Docking Endorsement course–just one comprehensive, in-depth textbook, Docking and Maneuvering Made Easy by Lisa & Andy Batchelor. With this textbook, you’ll have the knowledge to back up your skills in safely docking auxiliary-powered boats.

What Will I Learn in the ASA 118 Docking Endorsement Course?

The ASA 118 Docking Endorsement course is split into 2 parts. The first is knowledge, which covers textbook-based theory on sailboat control, docking techniques, safety, crew communication, and more. The second is skills, which is where you will learn hands-on techniques from a certified instructor. With the instructor, you’ll get to safely practice docking maneuvers and more, such as how to prepare and instruct your crew.

ASA 118 Docking Endorsement Course – Knowledge Portion

The knowledge portion of the ASA 118 Docking Endorsement course is textbook-based and covers basic auxiliary power theory, from the proper use of steering controls to docking and undocking procedures for a single inboard or outboard engine. You’ll start with the basics, such as the four forces that act on a boat during docking maneuvers, how each force affects the speed and orientation of the boat, which force is dominant, and which forces the helmsman can control or use to advantage during docking.

Then, you’ll get deeper into basic auxiliary power theory by learning engine and rudder control, the proper way to secure mooring lines in a slip and alongside a dock, and how to use spring lines during docking. Last but certainly not least, you’ll go over the safety considerations while docking and get a comprehensive overview of docking and undocking procedures, including crew communication and crew duties.

ASA 118 Docking Endorsement Course – Skills Portion

Yes, the moment you’ve been waiting for; the chance to finally get out on the boat and learn proper docking skills with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. On the boat, you’ll be under the guidance and instruction of an expert sailor as you apply the theory you’ve learned. Through hands-on training, you’ll learn the ins and outs of docking an auxiliary-powered boat, beginning with how to prepare the boat and crewmembers for docking and undocking. Next, you’ll get some practice with steering controls by learning how to maneuver the boat in a confined space, including a ‘standing turn’ maneuver.

After the basics, you’ll practice additional docking and undocking techniques that are designed to keep you safe and ensure smooth boat performance. These include undocking a boat with no collisions, injuries, damages, or grounding, and docking and undocking parallel to a dock when the wind is blowing towards the dock while properly using spring lines and attachment of lines to the dock and in the slip. Docking the bow and docking the stern into a slip with a crosswind is also covered, again with the proper use of spring lines and attachment of lines in the slip. Finally, after a long day of practicing docking and undocking, you’ll learn the proper method for heaving a line and how to construct and use a cleat hitch, bowline, and a round turn and 2 half hitches.

Enroll in ASA 118 Docking Endorsement Now

Docking is a crucial part of sailboating. The sooner you master docking, the sooner you’ll be on the water without a care in the world. 

Click Book Now to see when ASA 118 is offered or contact NYSS at 804-776-9211; dockmaster@nortonyachts.com