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  5. 2.16 Matters affecting voyage performance
  6. 2.16.6 Damage to other property
  7. 2.16.6.3 Damage caused by the vessels anchors or mooring lines
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2.16.6.3 Damage caused by the vessels anchors or mooring lines

Gard Guidance Masters

2.16.6.3 DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE VESSEL'S ANCHORS OR MOORING LINES

Whether near the coast, in rivers, canals or open sea, considerable care must be taken when anchoring. An anchor may drop on, pick or become entangled with a range of underwater pipelines and cables such as fresh water pipes, gas pipes, electricity and communication supply lines etc. In such circumstances

  • the damage can be extensive
  • in some jurisdictions claims may be brought for consequential damages, such as loss of fresh water supply and commercial losses suffered by consumers.

    By way of precautionary measures the Master should therefore

  • carefully plan the location of an anchor manoeuvre
  • satisfy himself that the seabed is free of cables and pipes
  • after weighing the anchor, only make headway after the anchor is well aweigh or, better still, out of the water
  • ensure that the entire anchor gear is secured to avoid the anchor cable running out unnoticed when proceeding to sea
  • take in mooring lines before making headway.