Anchoring safety warning issued to boaters

Transport Safety Victoria (TSV) has issued a safety alert to vessel operators to have appropriate anchors onboard and be ready to correctly deploy them in an emergency.

The advice follows TSV incident data analysis which reveals that in 2011-12 there were 1,085 recreational vessel disablements; the highest in three years.

TSV spokesperson Paul Corkill said that anchoring is an invaluable safety measure, especially in the event of an emergency. "In Victoria over the past four years, an average of 978 recreational vessels and 30 commercial vessels became disabled annually and required search and rescue assistance.

"If your vessel becomes disabled, anchoring correctly will keep the vessel safely aligned with the bow head on to the prevailing wind and waves.

"Effectively, anchoring correctly will also allow you to maintain your position and prevent the vessel being blown away, either offshore or onto the shore, while you call for and await assistance.

"The anchor, chain and line must be of sufficient strength and durability to secure the vessel and must be appropriate for that purpose in the area of operation of the vessel.

"The chain and/or line must be secured to the anchor and vessel at all times.

"Vessel masters are reminded that it is illegal and dangerous to anchor in shipping channels or transit lanes, and to tie up vessels to navigational aids such as channel marker piles or buoys," Mr Corkill said.

When anchoring at night or in time of reduced visibility correct anchor lights must be switched on when the vessel is at anchor. The correct anchor light for vessels less than 50 metres in length is an all-round white light with a visibility of at least two nautical miles.