Page 1 of 148
ASA 118 – DOCKING ENDORSEMENT EXAM
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALES JUST RELEASED
ASA 118 – DOCKING ENDORSEMENT EXAM
Q1. What is the primary factor that affects docking maneuvers?
A) Compass heading
B) Tidal currents and wind
C) Battery charge level
D) Engine oil temperature
Answer: B
Rationale: Docking is most influenced by external forces such as current and wind, which affect boat
handling significantly .
, Page 2 of 148
Q2. What type of propeller walk is most common on single-screw sailboats with right-handed props in
reverse?
A) Port walk
B) Starboard walk
C) No walk effect
D) Forward drift
Answer: A
Rationale: Most right-handed propellers cause the stern to walk to port when in reverse .
Q3. When docking bow-in with a crosswind pushing you off the dock, which line should you secure first?
A) Bow line
B) Stern line
C) Spring line
D) Breast line
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Answer: C
Rationale: A spring line prevents fore-and-aft movement and helps you work the boat against wind and
current .
Q4. What is the best use of short bursts of throttle in docking?
A) To increase speed
B) To maintain control without building excessive way
C) To decrease turning radius
D) To avoid cavitation
Answer: B
Rationale: Short throttle bursts give control of rudder and propeller effects without carrying too much
momentum .
Q5. Why is it important to approach a dock at a shallow angle?
, Page 4 of 148
A) To show skill to onlookers
B) To minimize wind resistance
C) To allow easy adjustment of speed and position
D) To keep fenders in the water
Answer: C
Rationale: A shallow approach angle allows the skipper more options to abort, adjust, or control entry .
Q6. What does "fending off" mean in docking?
A) Using engine power to push the boat away
B) Using hands or feet against the dock to keep distance
C) Using a boat hook or fender to prevent contact damage
D) Using sails to steer clear of the dock
Answer: C
Rationale: Fending off means preventing hard contact with a dock using tools or fenders, never hands or
feet for safety .
ASA 118 – DOCKING ENDORSEMENT EXAM
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALES JUST RELEASED
ASA 118 – DOCKING ENDORSEMENT EXAM
Q1. What is the primary factor that affects docking maneuvers?
A) Compass heading
B) Tidal currents and wind
C) Battery charge level
D) Engine oil temperature
Answer: B
Rationale: Docking is most influenced by external forces such as current and wind, which affect boat
handling significantly .
, Page 2 of 148
Q2. What type of propeller walk is most common on single-screw sailboats with right-handed props in
reverse?
A) Port walk
B) Starboard walk
C) No walk effect
D) Forward drift
Answer: A
Rationale: Most right-handed propellers cause the stern to walk to port when in reverse .
Q3. When docking bow-in with a crosswind pushing you off the dock, which line should you secure first?
A) Bow line
B) Stern line
C) Spring line
D) Breast line
, Page 3 of 148
Answer: C
Rationale: A spring line prevents fore-and-aft movement and helps you work the boat against wind and
current .
Q4. What is the best use of short bursts of throttle in docking?
A) To increase speed
B) To maintain control without building excessive way
C) To decrease turning radius
D) To avoid cavitation
Answer: B
Rationale: Short throttle bursts give control of rudder and propeller effects without carrying too much
momentum .
Q5. Why is it important to approach a dock at a shallow angle?
, Page 4 of 148
A) To show skill to onlookers
B) To minimize wind resistance
C) To allow easy adjustment of speed and position
D) To keep fenders in the water
Answer: C
Rationale: A shallow approach angle allows the skipper more options to abort, adjust, or control entry .
Q6. What does "fending off" mean in docking?
A) Using engine power to push the boat away
B) Using hands or feet against the dock to keep distance
C) Using a boat hook or fender to prevent contact damage
D) Using sails to steer clear of the dock
Answer: C
Rationale: Fending off means preventing hard contact with a dock using tools or fenders, never hands or
feet for safety .
