ASA 118: Docking Endorsement
Intermediate Sailing Class
Intermediate Sailing Lessons
Docking doesn't have to be stressful. The ASA 118 Docking Endorsement course is a hands-on, practical sailing class focused entirely on helping you dock and undock a single inboard engine boat with control and confidence. Whether you're preparing for bareboat chartering, club sailing, or your own boat ownership, this class gives you the skills to protect your crew, your boat, and your peace of mind.
$495
Class Schedule
One full-day course (9:00 AM to 6:00 PM)
Line handling, cleating, and fender placement
Communication and teamwork during docking
Hands-on practice in real-world marina settings
Dock approach and departure strategies
Wind, current, and boat pivot point management
Single-engine maneuvering in tight spaces
Sailing Skills You’ll Learn
One full-day course (9:00 AM to 6:00 PM)
ASA “Docking Techniques for Single Engine Boats” textbook (shipping not included)
Video instruction and study materials
What’s Included
ASA 118 registration and certification fees
All safety gear and docking equipment provided
Why Take This Class
ASA 118: Docking Endorsement is one of the most practical and confidence-building sailing courses you can take. Docking a sailboat is often the most stressful part of sailing, especially in tight marinas, crosswinds, or strong currents. This hands on docking course is designed to eliminate uncertainty and replace it with repeatable, proven techniques you can rely on every time you approach the dock.
In this single engine docking class, you’ll learn how to plan each docking maneuver before you ever touch the throttle. You’ll understand how wind, current, prop walk, and pivot point affect your boat’s movement, and how to use those forces to your advantage rather than fighting them. Through real world marina practice, you’ll gain confidence handling close quarters situations safely and efficiently.
ASA 118 is especially valuable for sailors preparing for bareboat chartering, joining a sailing club, or transitioning to boat ownership. You’ll develop clear communication strategies for working with crew, master line handling and fender placement, and learn calm, controlled approaches and departures that protect your boat and the surrounding vessels.
By the end of this docking endorsement, you won’t just know how to dock, you’ll understand why each move works. Docking becomes a predictable, manageable process instead of a source of stress. For many sailors, ASA 118 is the class that transforms docking from a fear into a skill they actually look forward to practicing.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with ASA 101 and ASA 103-level skills is recommended
Completion of ASA 118 prep textbook before class
If you earned prior ASA certifications at another school, please contact us to verify prerequisites
Club Members, please contact the office to register for classes to obtain your club level discount.
ASA 118: Docking Endorsement FAQs
These are the most common questions sailors ask about our ASA 118 Docking Endorsement course, including who it’s for, what you’ll learn, and how it builds real confidence docking a single-engine sailboat.
What is ASA 118: Docking Endorsement?
ASA 118 is a hands-on American Sailing endorsement focused entirely on docking and undocking single inboard engine sailboats. The course teaches practical, repeatable techniques for safely maneuvering in tight marina spaces while managing wind, current, and boat momentum.
Who should take the ASA 118 Docking course?
ASA 118 is ideal for sailors who feel nervous about docking, are preparing for bareboat charters, joining a sailing club, or transitioning into boat ownership. It’s especially valuable if you want more confidence handling single-engine boats in real-world marina conditions.
What will I learn in ASA 118 at PSSI?
This course focuses on planning and executing calm, controlled docking maneuvers. You’ll learn:
- Dock approach and departure strategies
- Wind, current, and pivot point management
- Single-engine maneuvering in tight spaces
- Line handling, cleating, and fender placement
- Clear crew communication during docking
- Problem-solving when docking conditions change
How long is the ASA 118 course?
ASA 118 is a one-day, immersive course that runs from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The full day is spent practicing real-world docking scenarios in a marina environment.
Do I need prior sailing experience to take ASA 118?
Familiarity with ASA 101 and ASA 103-level skills is recommended. You should be comfortable operating a sailboat under power. This class builds confidence and precision rather than teaching basic boat operation.
What’s included in the ASA 118 Docking Endorsement?
Your course includes ASA 118 registration and certification fees, all required safety gear, docking equipment, video instruction, study materials, and the ASA “Docking Techniques for Single Engine Boats” textbook (shipping not included).
Where is ASA 118 taught?
ASA 118 is taught at Puget Sound Sailing Institute marina locations, where students practice docking in real, active marina environments rather than simulated conditions.
Does ASA 118 help with bareboat chartering?
Yes. Docking confidence is one of the biggest concerns for charter operators. ASA 118 strengthens your close-quarters boat handling skills and complements certifications like ASA 104 and ASA 106 when preparing for bareboat charters.
Do sailing club members receive a discount?
Yes. Sailing Club members should contact the PSSI office directly to register and ensure their club-level discount is applied.