Alex F
Well-Known Member
- Nov 14, 2006
- 9,166
- Boat Info
- 2005 420DB with AB 11 DLX Tender, Raymarine Electronics (2x12" MFDs) with Vesper AIS
- Engines
- Cummins 450Cs, 9KW Onan Generator, 40HP Yamaha for tender.
After all the years I’ve never carried and used one. I’ve seeing probably a handful one being displayed on mega yachts, but never on any recreational vessel.
However, after reading some stories and being in a situation I thought that might be a time to look in to this a bit deeper.
Quick Story #1.
A couple is enjoying their stay at anchor. Another power boat cruises on plane, the captains doesn’t pay attention and crashes into the anchored vessel. The power boat which crashed into the anchored vessel had causalities. A couple in the anchored vessel sustained minor injuries. As the lawsuit is unfolding, the couple from anchored vessel are spending their money on attorney fees and are concerned as they’re being held liable, based on the argument presented by plaintiff’s attorney, that they’ve broken a rule 30 and didn’t display their Day Shape Anchor Ball.
Quick Story #2 (I’m copying this from another board).
“…..a cruise ship lost it's steering and ploughed into several sailboats in the designated anchorage. The only one that was compensated was the one flying a day anchor signal. I have used one ever since…”
My personal experience:
Many of us have seen or were involved in a situation of someone running our anchor lines. This season, we were involved in situation when while anchored in a raft (at night), a group of drunk men were running on plane in the total darkness, no nav lights. As they zip around and head toward our raft, they came very close and while cruising very fast on plane, they’ve collided with our stern anchor line and came to a complete stop. Luckily, no one was injured and the bunch of drunken idiots just jumped back on plane and went about their business.
This incident had me thinking about lots of “what ifs” and while we were 100% compliant (at least to my knowledge) by having anchor lights along with some other deck and cockpit lights on, the first two stories got me really thinking about the compliance during the daylight.
So, the question is, do we continue taking the chance or should we start displaying Day Shape Anchor Ball?
Any thoughts?
The size of the ball is regulated...following from CFRs (inland rules)
§84.11 Shapes.
(a) Shapes shall be black and of the following sizes:
(1) A ball shall have a diameter of not less than 0.6 meter;
(2) A cone shall have a base diameter of not less than 0.6 meter and a height equal to its diameter;
(3) A diamond shape shall consist of two cones (as defined in paragraph (a)(2) of this section) having a common base.
(b) The vertical distance between shapes shall be at least 1.5 meter.
(c) In a vessel of less than 20 meters in length shapes of lesser dimensions but commensurate with the size of the vessel may be used and the distance apart may be correspondingly reduced.
However, after reading some stories and being in a situation I thought that might be a time to look in to this a bit deeper.
Quick Story #1.
A couple is enjoying their stay at anchor. Another power boat cruises on plane, the captains doesn’t pay attention and crashes into the anchored vessel. The power boat which crashed into the anchored vessel had causalities. A couple in the anchored vessel sustained minor injuries. As the lawsuit is unfolding, the couple from anchored vessel are spending their money on attorney fees and are concerned as they’re being held liable, based on the argument presented by plaintiff’s attorney, that they’ve broken a rule 30 and didn’t display their Day Shape Anchor Ball.
Quick Story #2 (I’m copying this from another board).
“…..a cruise ship lost it's steering and ploughed into several sailboats in the designated anchorage. The only one that was compensated was the one flying a day anchor signal. I have used one ever since…”
My personal experience:
Many of us have seen or were involved in a situation of someone running our anchor lines. This season, we were involved in situation when while anchored in a raft (at night), a group of drunk men were running on plane in the total darkness, no nav lights. As they zip around and head toward our raft, they came very close and while cruising very fast on plane, they’ve collided with our stern anchor line and came to a complete stop. Luckily, no one was injured and the bunch of drunken idiots just jumped back on plane and went about their business.
This incident had me thinking about lots of “what ifs” and while we were 100% compliant (at least to my knowledge) by having anchor lights along with some other deck and cockpit lights on, the first two stories got me really thinking about the compliance during the daylight.
So, the question is, do we continue taking the chance or should we start displaying Day Shape Anchor Ball?
Any thoughts?
The size of the ball is regulated...following from CFRs (inland rules)
§84.11 Shapes.
(a) Shapes shall be black and of the following sizes:
(1) A ball shall have a diameter of not less than 0.6 meter;
(2) A cone shall have a base diameter of not less than 0.6 meter and a height equal to its diameter;
(3) A diamond shape shall consist of two cones (as defined in paragraph (a)(2) of this section) having a common base.
(b) The vertical distance between shapes shall be at least 1.5 meter.
(c) In a vessel of less than 20 meters in length shapes of lesser dimensions but commensurate with the size of the vessel may be used and the distance apart may be correspondingly reduced.
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