What makes an anchorage 'legal'?

[dfogal]

While planning some summer trips - it occurred to me that I don't know the answer to the question. What makes an anchorage official or legal? Can you anchor anywhere - but people just prefer certain locations because they are alee from current and wind? I assume you cannot anchor near cables and underwater pipelines.

Is there an official resource? Is it the same everywhere - or different in US/Canada/Carribean?

Thanks for your insights.

D.

 

[Pilotnavigator]

We cruise in the Lake Huron and North channel area and can anchor as needed, there are no restrictions except as you noted over cables etc. There are some ares marked on charts as restricted, if the charts are up to date! In some areas you are not permitted to tie to shore, a practice that should be avoided anyway. You should not anchor in known passage routes etc.
If in doubt check with other cruisers or plan to travel with someone that is experienced in the area, they will show you some good anchorages. Over the winter study your charts to find those out of the way coves and bays to explore. The ranger tugs are wondering for exploring. If in doubt leave the second in command and explore unknown entrances by tender. I carry a hand held depth finder to check for shallows and discover hidden gems to hide in.

 

[iggy]

I hate to say this, but you need up to date charts, at lest no more than few years.

Some charts will say "Regulated Nav Area" "see note A" The note will state what the restriction is.

Or even "Bomb Dispose area" a great place to put my ex-mother-in law, "Anchorage Area" Special Anchorage Area" and you don't want to go there. Your charts will tell and show you. When in doubt, ask the local Harbor Master.

A good source of Nav info is the U.S.C.G. You can sign up for Notice to Mariners. This will give you info on buoys moved, missing and new buoys, even light houses. Work in the harbor and just about anything that can be come a danger to navigation.

 

[NorthernFocus]

The answer to that question depends on where you are. In recent years many municipalities in the US have claimed local jurisdiction over inland waters that used to be USCG turf. So local laws apply. Other places are covered by national park rules, wildlife refuges, etc. One thing great nowadays is that most of that info is available to research on line before you go. Or see if anyone has written a cruising guide for the area in question. Unfortunately that jurisdictional information doesn't show up on marine charts.

...explore unknown entrances by tender. I carry a hand held depth finder to check for shallows ...

We do the same. We call ours a paddle 😀