Final answer:
To handle being pushed back onto a dock by wind or current, you can use the boat's propulsion system, lines or fenders, and adjust your direction to counteract the forces pushing you.
Step-by-step explanation:
When leaving a dock and the wind or current pushes you back onto it, it is important to take certain measures to safely navigate the situation. One strategy is to use the boat's propulsion system, such as the engine or oars, to counteract the forces pushing you back. By applying power in the opposite direction, you can create enough forward momentum to overcome the wind or current.
Another technique is to use lines or fenders to push off the dock. By attaching lines to fixed points on the dock and using them to push against, you can gain leverage and move away from the dock. Fenders can also be used to create a cushion between the boat and the dock, reducing friction and making it easier to navigate away.
Additionally, you can adjust the direction you are trying to leave the dock. By angling the boat into the wind or current, you can take advantage of the forces pushing against you and create a better angle of departure. This can help you gain momentum and maneuver away from the dock with greater ease.