Alongside

Close beside and generally parallel to another vessel, a berth or a landing place.

A vessel comes alongside to embark or disembark people, transfer stores or cargo, receive services, or secure at a berth. Fenders protect the contact area and mooring lines control relative movement once the vessel is in position.

Wind, stream, tide, wash, freeboard difference and the movement of both vessels affect an alongside operation. When lying alongside another vessel, permission, suitable attachment points and an agreed arrangement are needed rather than assuming either craft can be used as a fixed berth.