Coast Guard Severe Weather Tips for Boaters and Dock Owners

The following is an article from a previous "Tidelines" newsletter
published quarterly by Marine Advisor, Leigh T. Johnson:

CDR. James Watson, U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port for San Diego, Recommends:

¶ Boat mooring and anchor systems must be in good working condition and strong enough to hold vessels in place in heavy weather.

¶ Fender systems & rub rails should not be worn and should be doing their jobs properly.

¶ Remove excess debris from decks & docks

¶ Update emergency phone numbers of vessel owners that are on file with marina operators and the port anchorage office.

¶ The public is encouraged to report potential heavy weather safety concerns to:

* Coast Guard Port Captain (619) 683-6495

* San Diego Harbor Police (619) 686-6272

Coast Guard Auxiliary, San Diego's Heavy Weather Anchoring & Mooring Report:

Anchorages:

¶ Most anchored boats use anchors and ground tackle supplied by the manufacturer, that are not strong enough for a storm anchor. A good storm anchor will consist of a heavy duty anchor, sufficient chain (usually the length of the boat) and oversized line. Some experienced boaters will also put a weight attached to a separate line onto the anchor rode (line). This helps hold the rode on a more horizontal plane.

¶ The scope, or how much line to put out in heavy weather, is 10:1. That is, use 10 feet of line for every 1 foot of water depth. The lack of adequate rode is the cause of most boats' dragging anchor.

¶ The key to successful anchoring is to keep ground tackle in good condition. Inspect all shackles & line. Replace rotted or chafed lines immediately.

Marina Mooring:

¶ USCG Auxiliary is concerned that mooring lines on many of the larger boats in marinas appear to be inadequate for a heavy wind, even though the weight is distributed between the lines. (Tidelines comment: Evaluate mooring lines for all boats.)

Standard Mooring Guidelines:

¶ Center a boat in a single slip. In addition to the standard bow and stern lines, rig both after bow and forward quarter spring lines on both sides. Allow enough slack to keep the boat from jerking on the lines. Use fenders large enough to be rigged low and extend high enough to protect the boat if it rocks.

¶ A boat in a double slip can only be tied on one side. To protect the side facing the other boat in the slip, rig at least four fenders: two at normal height, two at the gunwales. This protects both boats, if they rock. It works where boats are close or where there is danger of being hit by a boat that breaks free.

Nylon Strand Lines & Breaking Strength:

¶ Three-strand nylon is popular for its strength (see table) & ability to stretch about 10% of its length. Braided lines have about 10% more strength than shown in the table.

Size	Breaking Strength
3/8	3,200 lbs.
1/2	6,600 lbs.
5/8 inch	10,200 lbs.

Tidelines thanks the Coast Guard for assistance!

Information provided for educational purposes. Consult marina or harbor operator regarding local conditions and requirements.

TIDELINES - FALL 1997
California Sea Grant Extension Program, San Diego County
University of California Cooperative Extension
Leigh Taylor Johnson, Area Marine Advisor, San Diego County