operator while anchored?

[scooby14]

Question for anyone, but particularly those in Pennsylvania. In regards to anchoring, are you required to have an operator on board. To clarify, I am concerned about drinking on the boat. Was planning on taking the boat to the Allegheny River for a concert at the stadium. My original plan was to anchor somewhere out of the main channel and spend the night aboard, thus allowing me and my wife to both be able to drink. I just heard however that even at anchor you need to have someone (sober) in control of the boat. If thats the case, what about mooring, as in I tie off to shore somewhere. I'm pretty sure there will be tons of patrols out and I'd like to stay out of trouble.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: operator while anchored?

i'd lie if i said i didn't anchor up and tie one on occasionally. the places i do this, i doubt i would ever have a problem with dnr or the police. they would just know i wasn't going anywhere. but i think you are correct, probably still against the law. depends how much risk you want to take.<br /><br />as for being docked, i can't see you ever having a problem with drinking onboard. visit a busy marina on any weekend, and that's all you have.

 

[Jeff Quigley]

Re: operator while anchored?

I did a quick search and found a few links of interest for you. No where does it go into specifics with regards to your unique situation however it is metioned that it is a good idea to have at least one person onboard as operator. So depending on you scenario, how you read the rules and regs is up to you. Here are the links:<br /><br /> http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/boating/6_1_b.htm <br /><br /> http://www.boatsafe.com/Pennsylvania/index.htm <br /><br />In the end, common sence is all you need. If you do have a few drinks, make sure before hand that your boat is properly anchored and that everything looks safe and sound before you have a couple. If you don't, and have to move the boat afterwards, then that's where you'll get into trouble. Play safe!

 

[rwidman]

Re: operator while anchored?

I just heard however that even at anchor you need to have someone (sober) in control of the boat.

The only place you can get a definitive answer to your question is from the authorities in the jurisdiction you intend to boat in. Write or e-mail your question, you will get a written response that you can show to an officer if there are any questions.<br /><br />

In the end, common sence is all you need. If you do have a few drinks, make sure before hand that your boat is properly anchored and that everything looks safe and sound before you have a couple. If you don't, and have to move the boat afterwards, then that's where you'll get into trouble. Play safe! <br />

If it's legal to drink in your area when the boat is anchored then this is good advice. Remember though, it's possible you may have to move the boat for several reasons even though it was well anchored in the first place or there may be some other emergency so it's a bad idea to get to the point where nobody on the boat is capable of operating it.

 

[mikekreft1]

Re: operator while anchored?

I know that in ohio the law states; No person shall operate or be in physical control of any vessel underway, or manipulate any water skis or similar device if the person is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. I would say if you are anchored, the keys are out of the ignition and you are spending the night you would probably be ok unless of course you had to operate the boat for some unknown reason.

 

[rwidman]

Re: operator while anchored?

Reasons to move the boat after you thought you had anchored for the night:<br /><br />Anchor dragging<br />Another boat's anchor dragging and the boat headed directly for yours<br />A bad storm<br />A medical emergency for someone on board.<br />Biting insects<br />Noise from other boats

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: operator while anchored?

"Reasons to move the boat after you thought you had anchored for the night:<br /><br />Anchor dragging<br />Another boat's anchor dragging and the boat headed directly for yours<br />A bad storm<br />A medical emergency for someone on board.<br />Biting insects<br />Noise from other boats"<br /><br /><br />Cranky a$$ wife

 

[DangerDan]

Re: operator while anchored?

When ever I party while on the water I'm either docked at a marina or so far in the boonies the only trouble i get into is with the skeeters. I usually anchor shallow,(two anchors) or tie off to the river bank and if possible try to locate myself within a reasonable distance from lights in case of Emergency. A cell phone is good to have or if on a large lake VHF.

 

[cuzner]

Re: operator while anchored?

Doesn't wife = designated driver?

 

[prockvoan]

Re: operator while anchored?

Cranky a$$ wife [/QB][/quote]<br /><br />I think that is why most of us wants to drink