What does "boarding" a boat mean?

"Boarding" a boat specifically refers to the process of getting onto a vessel safely. This involves several important considerations, such as ensuring that the boat is stable, using handrails or boarding ladders if available, and being mindful of the surroundings to prevent accidents. Boarding safely is critical to avoid slips, falls, or other injuries as individuals transition from a dock or another surface onto the boat.

The other options, while they pertain to boating activities, do not capture the essence of what boarding entails. For example, securing the boat at a dock relates to mooring practices, preparing a boat for launch speaks to readiness before hitting the water, and conducting an inspection before departure focuses on ensuring the boat is in proper working order. Each of these activities plays a role in boat safety but does not define the act of boarding itself.