What is the recommended way to board a boat?

Boarding a boat safely is essential for both personal safety and the stability of the vessel. The recommended way to board a boat is from the dock side or another stable vessel. This method maximizes safety by ensuring that the person boarding has a solid, stable platform to step from, reducing the risk of falling into the water during the boarding process.

When boarding from a stable location, there is also less likelihood of tipping the boat or causing it to shift unexpectedly, which can happen if the boarding is attempted from an unstable side or a moving vessel. Stability is crucial to maintaining balance and preventing accidents.

Other methods such as boarding from the rear of the boat can introduce variables that increase risk, particularly if the rear is unstable or if the boat is improperly moored. Approaching from the front, while it might offer visibility, can also be less stable depending on the vessel's position and current conditions. Swimming to the boat is generally unsafe and impractical, as it exposes individuals to potential hazards in the water and requires them to exert more effort before they can board safely. Thus, boarding from a stable and secure location is the best practice.