ANCHORAGE BASIN

• Latitude: 28.1384
• Longitude: -80.6007
• US East Coast
• Marina in US

Location: Annapolis MD US

Anchorage basins in the United States serve as designated areas where vessels can safely anchor outside of active shipping lanes and away from port facilities. These basins are crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient management of maritime traffic. Below is a detailed description of a typical Anchorage Basin in the United States, along with specifications that are commonly adhered to:

Description:

An anchorage basin is typically a defined water area near a port where vessels can drop anchor safely. These basins are strategically located to provide shelter from adverse weather while allowing for easy access to port facilities when needed. They are utilized by various vessels including commercial cargo ships, tankers, passenger ships, and sometimes military vessels.

Key Features:

1. Location: Anchorage basins are strategically positioned to provide a balance between safety from environmental conditions (winds, currents) and accessibility to the port.
2. Depth: The depth of an anchorage basin can vary widely but typically ranges from 25 feet to 60 feet (7.6 meters to 18.3 meters) depending on the size and draft of the vessels it is intended to accommodate.
3. Size: The size of an anchorage basin can vary significantly, often ranging from a few hundred yards to several square miles, depending on the traffic and types of vessels it needs to accommodate.
4. Bottom Composition: The sea bottom in anchorage basins is generally free of obstructions and hard objects. Preferred compositions include mud, sand, or fine gravel which provide good holding ground for anchors.
5. Navigational Aids: Anchoring locations are often marked on nautical charts and can include buoy markers and lighted aids to navigation to ensure vessels can find and anchor in the designated areas safely.
6. Shelter: Ideally, anchorage basins are located in areas protected from the worst of wind and wave conditions, thanks to natural land formations or built breakwaters.
7. Regulations: Anchorage areas are subject to regulations set by port authorities and the U.S. Coast Guard. These include restrictions on the types of activities that can be conducted while at anchor (such as no hazardous cargo operations) and length of stay.
8. Surveillance and Security: Some anchorage basins are under continuous surveillance, and security patrols might be in effect to ensure compliance with regulations and safety.

Specifications:

1. Geographical Coordinates: Exact latitude and longitude coordinates will be defined for each anchorage basin.
2. Capacity: Describes the number of vessels and the maximum vessel sizes (length overall (LOA), beam, and draft) that can safely be accommodated.
3. Holding Capacity: Specifications on the holding power of the seabed for anchor security.
4. Access Restrictions: Any seasonal or weather-related restrictions—for example, some basins might only be usable in certain wind conditions or might be restricted during extreme weather events.
5. Proximity to Port Services: Distance to essential port services like refueling, provisions, and repair facilities.
6. Environmental Protections: Restrictions on waste discharge and environmental management requirements to minimize pollution and protect local marine life.

Example:

• Port of Anchorage, Alaska: A prominent anchorage area strategically located next to the port, providing safe anchorage space for vessels waiting to load or unload cargo or for those experiencing delays due to weather or scheduling conflicts. The anchorage here typically features a sand and mud bottom, with depths ranging from 30 to 45 feet (about 9 to 14 meters).

In summary, anchorage basins in the U.S. are carefully planned and maintained areas that provide safe haven for vessels. They are designed with rigorous specifications to ensure marine safety, efficient port operations, and environmental protection.