T&T: Anchor Light

[KevinR]

> -----Original Message-----
> 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).

I'm seeing a number of posts today talking about "designated anchorages", and it appears that
some are confusing general anchorages designated on charts, with "Special Anchorage Areas" where
boats <20M don't need anchor lights.

Especially around major harbors, harbor charts will frequently show anchorage areas that have
been designated by the Captain of the Port for use by large ships. These anchorages have no
special rules for anchor lights - indeed, large ships are required to burn their deck lights in
addition to the required anchor lights.

What may listees are evidently confused about are the "Special Anchorage Areas" - something that
is very different for a general anchorage. These special anchorage areas are specifically shown
on the chart, outlined with a magenta line, and described in magenta ink as "SPEC ANCH" along
with the section in Chapter 2 of the Coast Pilot where the rules for that specific area can be
found.  It is only in these Special Anchorage Areas that boats under 20 meters in length are
allowed to not have an anchor light at night.

In the case you cited up in Trinidad Bay, Chapter 2 of Coast Pilot 7 details the very special
rules that apply only to that one special anchorage area, and they are referenced on the chart
itself.

Kevin
www.BoatMoves.com