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"One thing I have also learned when docking, particularly when docking at an "away dock", is to DECLINE HELP from well meaning strangers on the dock who would offer to help. by taking my lines. Quite often they will pull on the line and "upset" your approach and lead to unplanned/unecessary dificulties. It also never hurts to have "Fenders" rigged before you approach the dock."
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I'm with you on this one. I always re-view my docking plan with my crew before we approach the dock. Each crew member is assigned a task (some are just told where to sit and be quiet) and one of the most important tasks not to give up the line to some well meaning bystander. Stopping 10 tons of boat before its planned is a disaster just waiting to happen: dock posts are snapped off, fingers and hands pinched, bones are broken or people are dragged off the dock.
Last weekend while docking in Meredith just such a thing happen; my first mate was standing on the starboard rail with the midship line in hand ready to step off and take a wrap on the dock post. A well meaning man standing on the dock, grabbed the line out of her hand, wrapped it around his wrist and took a stand prepared to stop the boat. It all happen so fast and was blocked from my view, the poor fellow was yanked off the dock into the water as he couldn't let go the line while I brought the boat to the planned stopping spot. We were lucky that time, no injuries or damage, but the docking lessons were reinforced yet again.
The best way to help someone dock a big boat is to stand well clear and wait to be asked to help. Another good point; is don’t distract the crew by asking questions or making comments until the boat is secured.