What must you do when anchored at night

Anchoring your boat after dark isn't just about dropping the hook and hitting the sack. You've got rules to follow—serious ones. The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) spell it out, especially Rule 30, plus whatever local laws say. Mess this up and you're looking at fines, crashes, or maybe losing your whole boat. No joke.

Display the correct anchor light

This is the big one. Show the right light. COLREGS Rule 30 says your boat needs an all-round white light where everyone can see it. It's gotta be visible for at least 2 nautical miles on a clear, dark night. If your boat's under 50 meters long, that single white light does the trick. Bigger than 50 meters? You'll need a second white light at the stern, lower than the front one. And turn it on from sunset to sunrise, plus whenever visibility gets crappy.

Expert Insight: "Many recreational boaters mistakenly use their deck lights or cabin lights as anchor lights. This is dangerous and illegal. Only a dedicated, 360-degree white light visible for two miles meets the legal requirement." - Captain Sarah Jenkins, US Coast Guard Licensed Master.

Maintain a proper anchor watch

Just having a light on isn't enough. You gotta actually watch. Someone needs to check that anchor's holding and you're not drifting. Look at fixed landmarks on shore, your GPS, or radar. Set a timer—every 15 to 30 minutes, especially if wind or current shifts. If you're solo, wake up and check. Plenty of modern chartplotters and apps have anchor drag alarms now.

How do I set an anchor drag alarm on my GPS?

Most GPS units and navigation apps include an anchor alarm function. Drop a waypoint right where you're anchored. Set the radius—usually 20 to 50 meters, depending on your swing. The alarm goes off if your boat leaves that circle. Always test it before you sleep. But remember, it's a backup, not a substitute for actually looking.

Ensure proper visibility and sound signals

Your anchor light needs to be clear and unobstructed. Check that sails, canvas covers, or rigging aren't blocking it. A mast-mounted light can get hidden by a furled sail. That's illegal. And in fog or heavy rain, you've got to ring your bell fast for 5 seconds every minute. Boats over 100 meters need a gong in the front too. Make sure your bell or horn actually works and you can reach it.

What sound signal should I use if I am anchored in fog?

In restricted visibility, ring your bell rapidly for about 5 seconds every minute. If your boat is 100 meters or longer, also sound a gong right after the bell. A horn or whistle won't cut it as a legal substitute for the bell. Carry a handheld bell or a mechanical striker.

Check your swing radius and traffic

At night, other boats might not spot you right away, even with your anchor light on. You need enough room to swing. Figure out your full swing radius: boat length plus anchor rode length. Say you've got a 10-meter boat with 50 meters of rode—that's a 60-meter radius. Make sure that circle doesn't hit channels, mooring fields, or other anchored boats. Also, keep an ear on VHF channel 16 for traffic warnings. Watch for boats coming your way and be ready to hit them with a spotlight if they're heading straight for you.

What is the minimum anchor rode I should use at night?

Minimum scope is 5:1—5 feet of rode for every 1 foot of water depth. In wind or current, go 7:1 or 10:1. At night, with crappy visibility and weather that can change fast, never go less than 5:1. Measure depth at high tide so you've got enough rode for the deepest water. Mark your chain or rope every 10 meters so you can check your scope easily.

Secure all deck gear and prepare for emergency

Before dark, stow everything loose on deck. Coil lines, secure fenders, lash down the dinghy. A line overboard at night can foul your prop or wrap around the anchor chain. Grab a flashlight, spare batteries, and a spotlight. Make sure your engine can start instantly. If you drag anchor, you might need to motor away fast. Keep a backup anchor ready on deck just in case you have to re-anchor in a hurry.