Responsible Reef Practices - Tip 1 'Anchoring and Mooring' 12:25pm, Mon 12 Apr 2021
Cumberland Charter Yachts are dedicated to Eco-tourism, and have been a certified
Eco-tourism operator since 2015, promoting sustainable travel that benefits local communities, culture and heritage to minimise impacts on the environment. We believe it is our responsibility to educate all our charter guests on environmental sustainability.
On your charter, you'll enjoy the many different activities and experiences the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday islands offer and it's important to enjoy them in a responsible and environmentally 'reef friendly' way. Cumberland Charter Yachts have written our own
"Responsible Reef Practices". Here we'll share with you the many ways that you can help us keep the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsundays pristine for years to come and enjoy your charter holiday in a sustainable way.
Read about Responsible Reef Practices Tip #2 - Diving and Snorkelling
Read about Responsible Reef Practices Tip #3 - Waste (including sewage) and Litter
Read about Responsible Reef Practices Tip #4 - Around Turtles
Read about Responsible Reef Practices Tip #5 - Around Whales and Dolphins
Read about Responsible Reef Practices Tip #6 - Visiting Islands and Beaches
Read about Responsible Reef Practices Tip #7 - Bird Watching
Anchoring and Mooring your Vessel
The Great Barrier Reef offers visitors stunning vistas - both above and below the water, but it contains some very fragile environments.
An act as simple as dropping an anchor may have a significant impact on the world below. It may be years before the damaged area recovers or, in some cases, the coral may never return to its former glory.
By taking a little extra care when anchoring and using moorings where available, you will help protect this delicate underwater 'landscape'.
When Anchoring your Vessel
Examine the area before anchoring to find the best locationAnchor in sand or mud away from coralsAnchor away from fragile or sensitive areas including bird and turtle nesting areas,Indigenous heritage sites
and shipwrecks Anchor your boat a safe distance away from other boatsLook out for the safety of people in the water when dropping your anchorNever wrap the anchor rope or chain around bommies or large coral headsIf anchoring ashore, carefully place the anchor to minimize shore and coastal damageIf anchoring overnight, anchor before nightfall and double check the swing roomCarry enough chain and line for the depth you want to anchor inUse the correct anchor for your situation and environmentRetrieve the anchor when the line is verticalIf the anchor is caught on the reef, free it by hand wherever possibleDo not force the anchor free by motoring forwardUse only as much chain as you need to hold the vessel, without compromising safetyKeep watch to make sure the anchor isn't draggingMotor towards the anchor when hauling it in
When Mooring your Vessel
Do not attach your vessel to a damaged mooringUse public moorings where availableWhen using a public mooring, read and follow the advice given on an
information disc attached to the pick-up lineVacate a public mooring as soon as you can to allow access for others
When picking up a mooring:
Motor into the wind toward the buoyAvoid running over the pick-up lineUse a boat hook to retrieve the pick-up lineAttach the line to a strong point or bollard on the vessel
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Cumberland Charter Yachts is an award-winning company providing exceptional holiday experiences, leaving customers with a lifetime of memories that exceed all expectations.
