When entering a marina or channel with heavy traffic, which practice involves another person to watch hazards?

• A. Use a spotter.
• B. Ignore posted markers.
• C. Speed through the channel.
• D. Keep to shallow water.

Answer: (A)

In busy marinas and channels, having a spotter means there’s an extra person dedicated to watching for hazards and communicating them to the person steering the boat. The spotter can focus on spotting other vessels, swimmers, floating debris, moored lines, and obstacles around blind corners or near docks—things the helm might miss with all the traffic and turns. By relaying hazards promptly, the operator can slow down, stop, or change course to avoid collisions or running aground. This teamwork makes navigating crowded waters safer. Ignoring markers, speeding through, or sticking to shallow water are unsafe in heavy traffic and increase the risk of an accident.