In very general terms many who get themselves in trouble near a dock or mooring are going too fast.

A second mistake is not taking the time away from the dock to see how their boat will respond when reverse thrust is applied.

Then many do not understand or use the benefits of the spring line when approaching a dock. When deployed properly the spring line will serve as your brake and bring you gently against the dock to allow the other lines bow and stern to be secured. In almost every instance the spring lines are the two key tools to be used when approaching a dock.

Before you get anywhere near a dock make sure those on deck understand how and why you will use the spring lines. Approach the dock very, very, slowly. Understand how your stopped or nearly stopped boat will react to reverse thrust. You should not need the bow thruster at all when approaching a dock.

Here is one of the many videos on using a spring line to your advantage near a dock.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjUMocc1_4w

Hint: When you see a crew set up to dock a boat with the bow line in their hands. That crew does not understand the spring line and the best practices to bring a boat to the dock under control. Have the bow and stern lines ready. But, leave those bow and stern lines secure on the deck until the spring lines have your securely in your place against the dock.

Try to keep your crew off the bow when docking. If you have a crew positioned to get off the boat or to toss a line to the dock? That crew should be at the widest spot on the boat with the forward spring line in their hand.

Slow; Almost Stopped! No Crew on the bow, forward spring line ready to go.