What should you do if your boat strays too close to the dock?

If your boat strays too close to the dock, using an oar or a boat hook is a practical and effective method to keep your vessel clear. This approach allows you to gently push against the dock or any obstacles to create distance and maintain control over your boat's position. Employing an oar or boat hook can help prevent potential collisions, ensuring safety and damage avoidance.

Utilizing reverse gear, while it might seem like a viable option to regain control, can sometimes lead to unexpected movements or further complications depending on the situation. As for throwing out a life jacket, its primary purpose is for safety in the event of capsize or man-overboard situations, not for maintaining boat stability. Ignoring the situation entirely is a risky choice, as boats do not always self-correct, and can lead to accidents or damage. Therefore, the most effective and safe approach is to actively use an oar or boat hook to navigate away from the dock.