It may surprise you but even a “non-US Flag MMC holder” can figure out where and by whom pilotage are required and how to get one.
FYI; BA Sailing Directions contain such information for any port, all over the world.
It also contain information on anchorages and warning on any dangers in the approaches to any port.
A prudent Master will look up such information before entering a port where he doesn’t have local knowledge. That applies even to a “US Master onboard a US flag vessel”, before entering a US port he is not familiar with.
I can see from your verbose, incessant ramblings in this forum that it would be pointless to retort. But for the record- you are incorrect. Alaskan Pilotage on Unlimited Tankships- MMC required- US Merchant Marine Officers are REQUIRED to be US Citizens.
The ship in the OP was NOT US flag and had not entered pilotage area.
In fact the reason she was anchored was “waiting on pilot”.
Whether to drop anchor on this exposed location was prudent is what has been discussed. Why the Master decided to do so is not known, however, nor whether this was his first time into Valdez or not.
I vaguely remember hearing or reading about the grounding of the Sealand Express, but had to google it to refresh my memory. Classical case of ignoring reality until too late.
As usual, your anti-US flag vitriol is evident. However, all of us professionals know the real reason she grounded, as usual- you mixed apples and oranges… AND, do read the reply carefully… (and possibly understand ?) I stated Tankships. As I recall, the Pilotage requirement applied to tankships over 50,000 DWT and carrying persistent oils…
Haven’t you argued that anchoring in exposed offshore location is not unusual, or dangerous, as long as the weather is acceptable.
I agree that anchoring in 40 m. WD is no problem, unless problem exists with the anchor windlass.
As you I have no local knowledge of this particular area, nor do I know what kind of weather was forecast before the decision to drop anchor was made.
Neither do I know if any instruction/suggestion to drop anchor while waiting for pilot was issued by VTS, the pilot station, or others. (Charterer?)
BTW; Scheveningen Anchorage is exposed, close to shore and subject to changing weather, sometimes without being forecasted accurately:
Remain polite please, there is no reason for you to use abbreviated expletives… Thank You. If you don’t understand rules as they apply to specific geographical areas, I would urge you to researching prior to commenting… Thanks Again.
