BOATsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Module 03 - Getting on the Water

How To Cast Off From the Dock

STEP 1: Make sure your passengers are properly seated with their hands and feet inside the boat.

STEP 2: If your boat is equipped with enclosed engine compartments, operate the ventilation system (blower) for at least four minutes before starting the engine.

STEP 3: Start the engine. If you’re operating a personal watercraft, make sure that the kill switch (safety lanyard) is securely attached to your wrist or lifejacket at all times.

STEP 4: Check your surroundings for any obstacles or other boats.

STEP 5: Untie the mooring lines and push your boat away from the dock:

As you leave the dock, the stern of your boat will likely swing back toward the dock—push your boat away from the dock at both the bow and stern.
Be careful if the wind is pushing your boat toward shore. You may need to operate in reverse, angling the stern away from the dock before pulling away, to avoid colliding with the dock.

STEP 6: Proceed slowly from the dock until it’s safe to increase your speed.

STEP 7: Accelerate slowly. Rapid acceleration may cause passengers to lose their balance.