T&T: Anchor Light

[Mike. Maurice]

Trinidad Head, about 15 miles north of Humboldt Bay California has a 
designated anchorage and it is in the open ocean, beyond the boundary 
line and under International Rules (COLREGS).

Running into an anchored vessel at night that is not lit up does not 
automatically make it the anchored boat's fault. Being run down because 
you are lit does not automatically mean you will not be held at fault. 
Running another vessel down at night, whether it was lit or not, 
anchored or not, may or may not result in your being held solely or even 
partially to blame. This is not like an automobile accident.

In any collision there are generally at least two parties. Blame is 
generally portioned out depending upon the degree of fault which can be 
laid to each party. Each case is individually decided by referring to 
the relevant collision rules. Any failure to follow the rules and which 
HAS CONTRIBUTED to the collision will be considered a fault attributable 
to the vessel which made it.

There is no "right of way" under the rules (with a couple of minor 
exceptions), there is only collision avoidance. Under ordinary 
circumstances an anchor watch is not required, but vessels have been 
found at fault for not doing so under Rule 2. Rule 2 is the "gotcha 
rule", where you find out what you did not know while living in paradise.

As for the no light required in a designated anchorage.

The locals will have no authority to require or hassle you about being 
lit. On the other hand, there is no requirement that you not put up a 
light. If you have the power to make a light and can do so, it is in 
your best interests to protect yourself, since you will be safer in 
betting than no one else will.



Mike

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Capt. Mike Maurice
Tigard Oregon(Near Portland)