A Course for Safe Boating

California Boating

Chapter 3

Vessel Operation

Emergency Anchoring

Use of an anchor can help in emergency situations.

If the boat engine fails, set the anchor immediately to avoid running

aground.

If drifting into shallow waters or other boats, set the anchor.

If bad weather, rough waters or currents are blowing you ashore, set

the anchor.

Weighing Anchor

Head the boat toward the anchor.

Go ahead slowly using the engine while you retrieve the line.

When the boat is over the anchor, stop the boat—but not the engine—and

lift the anchor.

Carefully stow the anchor and line so it will be ready for the next use.

Never

pull up the anchor without starting the engine first.

If the anchor does not come free, try the following in calm water, avoiding

wave action from your vessel’s stern:

Tie the anchor line to a cleat and go forward slowly.

If the anchor still does not come free, circle slowly and try to loosen the

anchor. Be careful to keep the line from wrapping around the propeller.

Try to free the anchor from several different angles—and don’t give up

easily. The chain or the anchor may be hung up. Don’t put the boat or pas-

sengers in danger.

Common Mistakes

Letting the anchor go without securing the line to the boat

—oops, lost the

anchor!

Letting the anchor go with the anchor line wrapped around gear or the foot

of a passenger

—oops, lost the passenger or the gear!

Poor communication between the boat operator and the person setting the

anchor

—oops, dropped the anchor at the wrong time!