Safe Boarding and Leaving Boats

Key Hazards

• Falling between the boat and dock, trailer, or shoreline
• Slipping on wet, icy, muddy, algae-covered, or unstable surfaces
• The boat moving unexpectedly from wake, current, wind, or poor securing
• Jumping, overreaching, or carrying equipment while transferring
• Hands or feet caught between the boat and fixed structures
• Inadequate lighting, access equipment, handholds, or communication

2–3 Minute Talk Script

Boarding and leaving a boat are high-risk moments because the worker is moving between surfaces that may be at different heights and moving independently. Many falls occur before the boat is underway or after the mission appears complete.

The transfer point should be selected and inspected before anyone boards. Workers should check the dock, shoreline, trailer, ladder, step, handholds, lighting, surface condition, water level, and gap between the boat and landing area.

The boat should be secured and controlled before transfer. Wake, current, wind, passing vessels, and changing water levels can move the boat suddenly even when a line is attached.

Workers should maintain stable contact and avoid jumping. Hands should use designated rails or handholds rather than loose lines, equipment, windshield frames, or another worker who may also lose balance.

Tools, samples, coolers, and other equipment should be passed separately or handled with a controlled method. Carrying bulky items can block the worker's view and prevent the use of handholds.

Pinch points exist between the hull, dock, trailer, pilings, and shoreline. Workers should not place hands or feet where normal boat movement can trap or crush them.

Personal flotation devices should be worn as required during boarding and leaving because a fall can occur before there is time to retrieve flotation from inside the boat.

If the gap, height, lighting, boat movement, or access method is unsafe, the transfer should stop. Repositioning the boat or using a better dock, ladder, step, or assistance method is safer than forcing the movement.

Safety Reminders

• Inspect the transfer point before boarding or leaving.
• Secure and control boat movement first.
• Use stable handholds and avoid jumping.
• Pass tools and bulky equipment separately.
• Keep hands and feet out of boat-to-dock pinch points.
• Wear required flotation during the transfer.
• Stop when the gap, height, lighting, or movement is unsafe.

Ask the Crew

• Is the boat secured and stable at the transfer point?
• Are the dock, shoreline, steps, and handholds safe?
• Could wake, current, wind, or water level change the gap?
• How will tools and equipment be transferred?
• Where are the hand, foot, and body pinch points?