The Gard P&I Club has published guidelines to advise interested parties against anchoring outside of designated areas, in order to prevent coral reef damage.
In particular, Gard warns that vessels should not anchor outside designated anchorage areas in regions where coral reefs are known to exist to avoid damaging them and being exposed to fines by authorities. Considering the severity and possible consequences of the allegation, Gard recommends:
- Never drop anchor out of anchorage areas, especially if close to natural habitats such as coral reefs/marine reserves etc. Particular attention to be given especially in the USA (California and Florida) and Australia.
- If anchorage area is full or there is not enough safe distance to drop anchor, strongly recommend Master consider drifting option rather than any other risk.
- Mariners should always request port control to advise the vessel of an alternative anchoring location.
- It is advisable to always check the seabed at the anchoring location and in its vicinity.
- Owners and managers should also make sure that their safety management procedures on voyage planning and anchoring include guidance on the above.
The anchor and anchoring mechanisms and procedures are critical components in ensuring the ship’s safety. Coral reef ecosystems support a quarter of all marine species and provide flood and wave protection.
