Anchor Rules and Regs ...

[Astro]

I'm very new to all this, so bear with me...Can anyone give me the general lowdown on where and when it is or isn't permissible to anchor, particularly US , even more particularly the NW Pac. coast. I realize there ane no final answers, and that this is a standing controvery. None the less...
Thanx in advance for not turning this into the "Derelects and Boatbums socio-political report." I really just want to know what to expect for extended cruising. Gracias, K.

[Unicorn Dreams]

Welcome Aboard Cruisers Forum Astro

[Astro]

Aw Fanks. Glad to be here.

[Hudson Force]

Not addressing the unwise choices of anchoring in areas of poor holding, unmanagable currents, or rocky lee shores, but only the areas where anchoring is prohibited; here are locations where you may not anchor that come to mind:
1. Within marked navigation channels
2. Within port operations and turning basins
3. Within cable areas and cable crossings
4. Within government and military restricted zones
5. Within designated mooring fields
6. Within designated ranges of bridge pylons, dams or tunnel structures

All these are typically marked on charts with dashed blue lines. It's often wise to contact the local harbormaster or ask for local knowledge on your VHF.

[nigel1]

Pilot books, sailing directions, and cruising guides are a good source of where, and where not to, anchor

[jackdale]

Look for these symbols on a chart





captforce give a great list.

[Astro]

Thanks all, exactly what I'm looking for. Been researching via e-charts, and found great stuff on Activecaptain- just ignorant of thins like - How long is too long of a stay, what about public park anchorages?3-5 days, 3-5 months? Again thanks, K

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by Astro

Thanks all, exactly what I'm looking for. Been researching via e-charts, and found great stuff on Activecaptain- just ignorant of thins like - How long is too long of a stay, what about public park anchorages?3-5 days, 3-5 months? Again thanks, K

There are a few spots like False Creek in Vancouver where there are permit requirements and restrictions on the length of the stay.

A good cruising guide will have that information. In Canada, Sailing Directions (a government publication) is a goof source as well.

[virginia boy]

I've been anchored and living aboard in the Potomac River for three months without so much as a howdy ya do from the powers that be. Im actually a little disappointed. I have had no contact with the police since buying this boat a year ago and had hoped for at least one boarding just for the experience.

[Target9000]

Originally Posted by virginia boy

I've been anchored and living aboard in the Potomac River for three months without so much as a howdy ya do from the powers that be. Im actually a little disappointed. I have had no contact with the police since buying this boat a year ago and had hoped for at least one boarding just for the experience.

Careful what you wish for. It might come true.

[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by virginia boy

I've been anchored and living aboard in the Potomac River for three months without so much as a howdy ya do from the powers that be. Im actually a little disappointed. I have had no contact with the police since buying this boat a year ago and had hoped for at least one boarding just for the experience.

No surprise to me. We've been frequently anchoring out and fulltime living aboard since 1972 and I have never had a question or a comment from any authority about my anchoring. Most of this time I've been in Florida where people make comments about authorities hassling those at anchor. There may be those that manage to attract dispute, but I have no experience.

[avb3]

Originally Posted by jackdale

There are a few spots like False Creek in Vancouver where there are permit requirements and restrictions on the length of the stay.

A good cruising guide will have that information. In Canada, Sailing Directions (a government publication) is a goof source as well.

Do you know if the permits are issued by DFO or the city? AFAIK, DFO has jurisdiction, and I am not aware under which legislation they can pass that jurisdiction to another entity.

I have seen similar restrictive attempts by municipalities on water courses that are under the jurisdiction of the Navigable Waters Act.

If you can point me in the right direction on this one, I sure would appreciate it. It seems to me often municipalities and even provincial governments will attempt to usurp federal powers, and it often takes courts to correct this. Who is going to fight a say $150 ticket in court to prove a point?

[Astrid]

See Canada Shipping Act


Canada Gazette

[avb3]

Originally Posted by Astrid

See Canada Shipping Act


Canada Gazette

Yup.. that pretty well clears it up. Federal jurisdiction kept by that amendment, no doubt due to local lobbying.

Thanks... much appreciated.

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by avb3

Do you know if the permits are issued by DFO or the city? AFAIK, DFO has jurisdiction, and I am not aware under which legislation they can pass that jurisdiction to another entity.

Anchoring in False Creek - Blueways

Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations