T&T: Anchoring and Clearing

[Mike Maurice]

The first order of business when flying an aircraft, is to FLY the 
plane. The first order of business when flying a boat is to FLY the 
boat, I think you get my meaning.

In any event, safety has a higher priority than process. In other words, 
you don't continue the voyage when conditions make it unsafe. Proceeding 
in fog or storm when anchoring is indicated is justification to anchor. 
Blanket statements that you can't anchor when entering to clear 
constitutes bad advice. What is true is that the authorities such as 
Customs are not going to accept mickey mouse stories that can't be 
supported and don't use their communications gear to keep in touch.

Yachtsmen get into trouble because they don't keep a log, don't follow 
the ordinary practice of seamen; follow admiralty law and customs and 
then when they get fined or yelled at, wonder why.

Coming into Canada from Ketchikan AK, to Prince Rupert several years 
ago, I got their Customs officer to allow us to proceed without an 
inspection, because it was storming, we had an engine that would not 
shift gears and we had the rest of our act together.

Mike

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Capt. Mike Maurice
Beaverton Oregon(Near Portland)