At Anchor

[Bob1944]

I am new to bigger boats on the great lakes having just purchased a 22 foot Crestliner Norseman II. What is the lighting law when at anchor at night.

Also how about life preservers? A vest for each passenger and how many throw able? What else do I need to know to be in compliance with the law?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: At Anchor

your answers would be answered in a safe boating course. which you obviously need. depends on size of the boat. white anchor light. atleast one.

 

[dvan1901]

Re: At Anchor

Check your local laws, and take a class as suggested, but I believe the law is, if at anchor from dusk to dawn is whitle anchor light (no red and green running lights). You need one life jacket for each person on board (check the dates on the life jackets) and you need one throwable. You also need distress signaling devices and the best is to get a 3 pack of flares as they serve as both daytime and nightime devices. Here are a couple of resources you should check out before you go out:
http://www.boat-ed.com/mi/index.htm
http://www.boatsafe.com/#tip

 

[Navy Jr.]

Re: At Anchor

Lighting: One all-round white light from sunset to sunrise where it can best be seen. Main mast or stern mast.

Required equipment (depends on length of boat - I believe your boat is a Class 1): Type I, II or III PFDs - one for each person aboard. Type III is common. Anyone age 10 and under must wear them. Type IV (throwable) - must have at least one. While not required, I have mine tethered to a line.

What else? You also need a sound producing device (your boat probably has a horn, but recommend having a whistle on board in case of power failure). Also, a fire extinguisher (common for boating is Class B).

On the Great Lakes I think you also need a marine radiotelephone such as a VHF radio (recommended, but not handhelds; not enough power). And you need visual distress signals (there are varying requirements depending on day or night).

There's probably more in terms of requirements, and much more in terms of suggested items, but I'll let more experienced boaters chime in. Highly recommend a safe boating course (by Coast Guard, Power Squadron, or ?). They teach all of the boating regulations, including federal and state; and how and when to use your VHF radio. I learned a ton.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: At Anchor

You also need a sound producing device

Would my 11 (going on 18) year old daughter qualify? She's as loud (and annoying) as any air horn when she's picking a fight with her brother.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: At Anchor

You can double the noise level of your daughter quite easily. Pack a snake. Show it to her when you need to make some noise. I tried it on my mother-in-law but she passed out and only made a thud!

 

[dodgeramsst2003]

Re: At Anchor

While its been noted above as not being required, make sure your throwable has a line attached to it. I have several boating friends who have been hassled because they didn't have a line attached to it. Reason being, if you throw it to someone who is in trouble and miss, there needs to be some quick way to retrieve it and try again. The law doesn't require it, but the "law" will give you a hard time about it.

 

[cpubud]

Re: At Anchor

You can double the noise level of your daughter quite easily. Pack a snake. Show it to her when you need to make some noise. I tried it on my mother-in-law but she passed out and only made a thud!

lol..... i can picture that