Because the tides have relatively small amplitudes, we use the Med mooring system to dock boats. There are three ways to dock in the Med. Boats usually dock stern to quay or pontoon because it is easier to step off the boat when you attach a plank to the dock from the swim platform or transom of your stern.
There is also the possibility of docking parallel docking if you are going to refuel at a fueling station, or, if there is no traffic, to dock parallel at a pontoon or city quay.
First way to dock: ANCHORING STERN-TO
First, bring the vessel close to the pier and/or dock. Before you can prepare the boat for anchoring stern to dock, you have to consider both the wind speed and direction, and also if there are any potential currents (however, these are less likely in the Med). It is also important to keep up the boat speed so that steerage is maintained, especially once the anchor starts to dig in. There are a few things that you need to prepare before you drop anchor.
- First you need to check the depth to ensure that is not too shallow or too deep to drop your anchor. It would also be good to know what the seabed consists of (sand, rocks, mud or seaweed). The best option is sand or mud because your anchor will hold very well and you will be safe. An issue with rocks is that you may have problems when you have to lift up your anchor if it gets stuck between the rocks. The problem with seaweed is that the anchor will not hold very well, and the anchor might drag. When you are ready you can start to prepare the boat for docking.
- The second thing to do is put fenders on both sides of the boat and a big one on your stern so that you do not hit the pontoon or quay with your stern when backing up towards it.
- Prepare your stern lines from each aft quarter.
- When your boat is four boat lengths away from the quay, drop the anchor and ease out the chain. When you are approximately ONE boat length from the dock, stop dropping the chain so that the anchor digs in. You must be ready to drop out more chain if required.
- When you come close to shore, first connect the windward stern line to shore and then the leeward stern line.
- When you have finished fixing the boat to the dock, take the strain up on the chain to ensure that the stern stays away from the quay/pontoon.
Second way to dock: Using LAZY LINES
- First you need to analyze the situation around you (again checking both speed and wind direction) and what the situation is around your docking spot.
- The second thing to do is put your fenders on both sides and on the stern. Prepare both your stern lines so that you can throw them to the marina staff.
- When you start to move backwards towards the pontoon/quay, first connect the windward side to the pontoon/quay. To do this, throw the windward line to the marina staff so that they can fix the line and help you. They will give you the lazy line, which you need to pick up (use a boat hook if you need to) and take to the bow of the boat. Keep pulling the lazy line that is connected to the concrete dock along the side of the boat and tie off at the bow cleat. After that, connect the leeward stern line and adjust the bow and stern lines so that the boat doesn’t move around.
- The final step is to reverse your engine to tighten the bow lines, and then just snug up your stern lines so that you are safe. Put on your plank, connect your electricity, and enjoy your day.