When approaching a mooring buoy, which of the following should you do?

Approaching a mooring buoy slowly is crucial to ensure safety and to avoid potential accidents. When you move at a slower speed, you have better control of your vessel, which allows for precise navigation around the buoy and the mooring line. Fast approaches can lead to losing control, making it difficult to stop in time, and could inadvertently cause damage either to your vessel or the buoy itself.

By reducing speed, you minimize the risk of running over the mooring line or the buoy, which can cause entanglement issues or damage your boat’s propeller. This careful approach also helps in maintaining a safe distance from any other boats that might be nearby, enabling a smooth and safe mooring process.

In addition, moving slowly provides you with more time to assess your surroundings and make any necessary adjustments, ensuring a safe and successful mooring at the buoy.