DOCK-TIONARY: SPRING VS DOCK LINES
Welcome back to Dock-tionary, where we help ferry fans learn how to speak boat. This month, we’re breaking down the difference between a dock line and a spring line and their importance in efficient ferry operations.
Dock lines and spring lines are similar however, their respective distinction plays an important role for crews and the successful maneuvering of marine vessels when secured to the dock. Dock lines are defined as ropes that secure your boat in place at the dock for short-term mooring.
Spring lines are different in that they are a line led diagonally from the bow or stern of a ship to a point on a wharf and made fast to help keep the ship from moving fore and aft while secured at the dock. Spring lines can also assist the captain when maneuvering the boat alongside as they are the first lines to go out when mooring.
Ultimately, dock lines and spring lines secure the vessel from moving in a particular direction since currents in the water can cause vessels to drift. The next time you are riding the ferry, see if you can tell which lines are being employed to help guarantee the safe movement of passengers on and off the ferry.