ASA 118 Docking Endorsement Exam Prep
2026/2027 – Actual Questions with Verified
Answers, Detailed Rationales & Expert-
Reviewed Study Guide PDF (Latest Updated
Edition)
ASA 118 Docking Endorsement Exam Prep 2026/2027
• This study guide features 200 expert-reviewed multiple-choice questions with
verified answers, detailed EXPERT RATIONALE, and full topic coverage designed to
help you confidently pass the ASA 118 Docking Endorsement exam.
• Use this material by reading each question carefully, selecting your answer before
checking the highlighted correct option, then studying the EXPERT RATIONALE to
reinforce understanding of the underlying concept.
QUESTION 1
When approaching a dock in a single-engine inboard vessel with wind pushing
you onto the dock, what is the best initial action?
A) Approach at full speed to maintain steerage
B) Approach at a wide angle of about 60 degrees
C) Use reverse thrust to hold the vessel in place before arrival
D) Approach at a shallow angle using the wind to assist your final positioning
E) Drop anchor immediately to slow the vessel
D) Approach at a shallow angle using the wind to assist your final
positioning
EXPERT RATIONALE: When wind is pushing you toward the dock (leeward dock), a
shallow angle approach allows the wind to do the work of pushing the boat in. This
reduces the need for complex maneuvering and minimizes the risk of hitting the dock
too hard.
,QUESTION 2
What term describes the tendency of a vessel's stern to swing in a specific
direction when reverse thrust is applied?
A) Yaw effect
B) Leeway drift
C) Prop walk
D) Torque surge
E) Stern drag
C) Prop walk
EXPERT RATIONALE: Prop walk (also called paddlewheel effect) occurs because a
propeller in reverse does not act symmetrically — it tends to walk the stern to one side,
usually to port on right-handed propellers. Understanding prop walk is critical for
docking maneuvers.
QUESTION 3
What is the primary purpose of a spring line when docking?
A) To hold the bow into the wind
B) To keep the vessel from moving forward or backward along the dock
C) To pull the stern toward the dock
D) To secure the anchor line
E) To connect two vessels together for rafting
B) To keep the vessel from moving forward or backward along the dock
EXPERT RATIONALE: Spring lines run diagonally from the vessel to the dock and prevent
the boat from moving ahead or astern. They are among the most important lines for
controlling a vessel's position alongside a dock.
,QUESTION 4
On a right-handed propeller vessel, which direction does the stern typically
walk in reverse?
A) Starboard
B) Forward
C) Upwind
D) Port
E) It does not move laterally
D) Port
EXPERT RATIONALE: On a right-handed (clockwise in forward) propeller, when reversed
the blade angle causes the stern to walk to port. Skippers use this predictable behavior
to their advantage when backing into slips or away from docks.
QUESTION 5
What is a "leeward dock"?
A) A dock located in deep water
B) A dock that is upwind of the vessel
C) A dock located on the side toward which the wind is blowing
D) A dock that has no cleats
E) A dock used exclusively for fuel
C) A dock located on the side toward which the wind is blowing
EXPERT RATIONALE: A leeward dock is one that the wind is blowing toward.
Approaching a leeward dock can be easier since wind assists in bringing the vessel
alongside, but it also increases the risk of coming in too fast.
, QUESTION 6
What is a "windward dock"?
A) A dock facing into a current
B) A dock located on the side from which the wind is blowing
C) A dock exposed to waves
D) A dock with cleats on the windward side only
E) A dock that requires a 90-degree approach
B) A dock located on the side from which the wind is blowing
EXPERT RATIONALE: A windward dock is one where the wind blows away from the dock.
This makes docking more challenging because the wind pushes the vessel away,
requiring more precise throttle and helm control.
QUESTION 7
Which line is typically the first line put ashore when coming alongside a dock?
A) Stern line
B) Spring line
C) Bow line
D) Breast line
E) Anchor rode
C) Bow line
EXPERT RATIONALE: The bow line is typically the first line secured because it keeps the
bow from swinging away from the dock and gives the crew an anchor point from which
to pivot the rest of the vessel in.
2026/2027 – Actual Questions with Verified
Answers, Detailed Rationales & Expert-
Reviewed Study Guide PDF (Latest Updated
Edition)
ASA 118 Docking Endorsement Exam Prep 2026/2027
• This study guide features 200 expert-reviewed multiple-choice questions with
verified answers, detailed EXPERT RATIONALE, and full topic coverage designed to
help you confidently pass the ASA 118 Docking Endorsement exam.
• Use this material by reading each question carefully, selecting your answer before
checking the highlighted correct option, then studying the EXPERT RATIONALE to
reinforce understanding of the underlying concept.
QUESTION 1
When approaching a dock in a single-engine inboard vessel with wind pushing
you onto the dock, what is the best initial action?
A) Approach at full speed to maintain steerage
B) Approach at a wide angle of about 60 degrees
C) Use reverse thrust to hold the vessel in place before arrival
D) Approach at a shallow angle using the wind to assist your final positioning
E) Drop anchor immediately to slow the vessel
D) Approach at a shallow angle using the wind to assist your final
positioning
EXPERT RATIONALE: When wind is pushing you toward the dock (leeward dock), a
shallow angle approach allows the wind to do the work of pushing the boat in. This
reduces the need for complex maneuvering and minimizes the risk of hitting the dock
too hard.
,QUESTION 2
What term describes the tendency of a vessel's stern to swing in a specific
direction when reverse thrust is applied?
A) Yaw effect
B) Leeway drift
C) Prop walk
D) Torque surge
E) Stern drag
C) Prop walk
EXPERT RATIONALE: Prop walk (also called paddlewheel effect) occurs because a
propeller in reverse does not act symmetrically — it tends to walk the stern to one side,
usually to port on right-handed propellers. Understanding prop walk is critical for
docking maneuvers.
QUESTION 3
What is the primary purpose of a spring line when docking?
A) To hold the bow into the wind
B) To keep the vessel from moving forward or backward along the dock
C) To pull the stern toward the dock
D) To secure the anchor line
E) To connect two vessels together for rafting
B) To keep the vessel from moving forward or backward along the dock
EXPERT RATIONALE: Spring lines run diagonally from the vessel to the dock and prevent
the boat from moving ahead or astern. They are among the most important lines for
controlling a vessel's position alongside a dock.
,QUESTION 4
On a right-handed propeller vessel, which direction does the stern typically
walk in reverse?
A) Starboard
B) Forward
C) Upwind
D) Port
E) It does not move laterally
D) Port
EXPERT RATIONALE: On a right-handed (clockwise in forward) propeller, when reversed
the blade angle causes the stern to walk to port. Skippers use this predictable behavior
to their advantage when backing into slips or away from docks.
QUESTION 5
What is a "leeward dock"?
A) A dock located in deep water
B) A dock that is upwind of the vessel
C) A dock located on the side toward which the wind is blowing
D) A dock that has no cleats
E) A dock used exclusively for fuel
C) A dock located on the side toward which the wind is blowing
EXPERT RATIONALE: A leeward dock is one that the wind is blowing toward.
Approaching a leeward dock can be easier since wind assists in bringing the vessel
alongside, but it also increases the risk of coming in too fast.
, QUESTION 6
What is a "windward dock"?
A) A dock facing into a current
B) A dock located on the side from which the wind is blowing
C) A dock exposed to waves
D) A dock with cleats on the windward side only
E) A dock that requires a 90-degree approach
B) A dock located on the side from which the wind is blowing
EXPERT RATIONALE: A windward dock is one where the wind blows away from the dock.
This makes docking more challenging because the wind pushes the vessel away,
requiring more precise throttle and helm control.
QUESTION 7
Which line is typically the first line put ashore when coming alongside a dock?
A) Stern line
B) Spring line
C) Bow line
D) Breast line
E) Anchor rode
C) Bow line
EXPERT RATIONALE: The bow line is typically the first line secured because it keeps the
bow from swinging away from the dock and gives the crew an anchor point from which
to pivot the rest of the vessel in.
