Falling Tide, Crosswind Berth
26ft motor cruiser — fictional Crew Ready training scenario
Small motor cruiser · A visitor pontoon in a tidal marina
The Situation
You're bringing a 26ft motor cruiser alongside an unfamiliar visitor pontoon. A moderate crosswind is blowing you onto the berth and the tide is falling. Fenders are still stowed below and the crew haven't been briefed on which lines go where.
The Lesson
Rig fenders and brief the crew on line order BEFORE starting the final approach, not during it. And if the boat is closing on the berth faster than planned, fend off with a boat hook or your back against something solid — never with a hand or foot between the hull and the pontoon.
Human Element
This cascade turns on a single habit: whether preparation (fenders, lines, a quick crew briefing) happens before or after the approach starts. Rushing 'to save time' is a common, understandable shortcut — it just moves the real work from a calm moment off the berth to a rushed one alongside, exactly when there's least room for error. The most serious branch reinforces one specific, well-known small-boat safety rule: never fend off with a hand or foot between the hull and a hard surface.
Try the First Decision
You're about to make your final approach to the visitor pontoon. Fenders are still stowed below, and nobody's been told which line to handle or when.
This is a preview — the full scenario branches from here based on what you choose, with real consequences and a debrief at the end.
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