First practice controlling your boat in open and protected water with enough space.

Learn how your boat responds to wind, waves and currents from different directions.

Avoid sudden maneuvers at speed.

Always be certain you have sufficient distance to stop or maneuver if required to avoid collisions.

When approaching or leaving the shore, apply the throttle in sharp and short doses to make your steering maneuvers efficient. Avoid sudden steering movements and make sure that all crew members not required to assist in the docking remain seated.

Practice trimming until you are comfortable using it.

If you have a twin engine model, practice docking and other behaviors specific to twin engines. 

If you are the driver and must leave the helm station, make sure to shift the engine into neutral.

Start the engine(s) and attach the lanyard stop switch cord to yourself.

Shift to forward or reverse as necessary to get out of the dock.

When you leave the dock, maneuver and gradually add speed as necessary.

Always stop at the neutral position and allow the engine idle speed to stabilize before you shift into another gear. Shift into gear with a quick motion.

Push the control handle gently forward or back until you reach the desired speed.

Gently pull the control handle back to neutral position when you want to slow down.

Learn how to trim the boat with the throttle and shift control.