A Course for Safe Boating

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California Boating A Course for Safe Boating 63
Chapter 3 u Vessel Operation
ƒ ƒ Keep the engine running. If the engine is not running, you will lose control
of the boat, and you may run aground or collide with a dock or other boats.
ƒ ƒ Lower the anchor over the bow. Never throw it.
ƒ ƒ Do not tie your anchor line to the stern. This could cause your boat to
swamp or capsize.
ƒ ƒ As the anchor lowers, let out (or pay out) line.
ƒ ƒ Make sure your foot or other objects on deck do not get caught in the line as
it is paying out.
ƒ ƒ For secure anchoring, the scope of the anchor line should be at least seven
to one—that means the line will be seven to ten times as long as the distance
from the boat’s bow to the bottom of the water.
ƒ ƒ Cleat or tie off the rode.
ƒ ƒ Check the boat’s swing to make sure the boat will not go aground or hit
something if the current changes or the wind shifts.
ƒ ƒ Inform passengers of safe anchoring procedures in the event of an
emergency.
While You Are Anchored
The anchor is set when the boat turns into the wind and the anchor line stops
paying out or jerking. Once enough line has payed out, remember to cleat or
tie off the rode. For safety:
ƒ ƒ Check to see if the anchor is holding, not dragging. The line will bounce if
the anchor is dragging.
ƒ ƒ Check your position by noting several landmarks.
ƒ ƒ Check your anchor. Never anchor from the boat’s side or stern. A strong
current, a heavy sea or the wake from another boat may sink your boat.
ƒ ƒ Check your position often, especially since tides, wind and weather can
change constantly.
ƒ ƒ Never anchor in a deep water channel between red and green buoys that
mark the heavily traveled areas or channels used by large ships.
ƒ ƒ Never anchor directly below a dam, because the hydraulic currents
created by the rising or falling water can be hazardous.
ƒ ƒ Never anchor directly above a dam. A sudden release of water from a
hydroelectric power plant can suck the boat over the dam.
ƒ ƒ Warning markers, such as a boom or buoys, often indicate restricted zones
for traffic and anchoring. Check your charts for these restricted zones.
ƒ ƒ If you have to leave the anchor, tie a floating marker to the line so you can
locate it later.
REMEMBER
Careful boaters always have an
extra line, chain and anchor along,
just in case!
WEBSITE
For more information about a class
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