Observe and identify
Developing level, about 3 min. Chart reading.
The situation
The chart identifies a submarine cable and a surrounding anchoring prohibition. A designated anchorage lies outside the restriction on sand. For this exercise the anchorage has sufficient depth, shelter and swinging room.
Where should you select your anchoring position?
- Use the designated anchorage outside the cable area
- Anchor directly over the cable
- Anchor just inside the marked area
Answers and explanations
Lookout: A charted prohibition and the infrastructure it protects matter even when the water is deep enough.
The sound answer
Use the designated anchorage outside the cable area
The charted anchorage is outside the anchoring prohibition and the exercise supplies the depth, shelter and room needed. Confirm those conditions in an actual anchoring decision.
Why the other options fall short
Anchor directly over the cable
The cable area prohibits anchoring. Adequate depth does not override the charted restriction.
Anchor just inside the marked area
Being near the boundary does not remove the prohibition. Read its full extent and legend.
Chart 1 · anchorage, cable and anchoring prohibition
A designated anchorage must still suit the conditions and vessel. Cables and restricted anchoring areas must be considered separately from depth.