2012 Ocean Ranger Guidebook Revision 3-7-12 - Alaska ...

2012 Ocean Ranger Guidebook 3-7-12
Job Aid Item: 1.1.b
Text: Anchor chain and anchor washed down IAW 33CFR 151.2035(a(5))
Background: The spread and transfer of invasive species is a worldwide concern. Invasive species have
caused economic and environmental damage. Some species are already being tracked moving towards
Alaska, for example the European Green Shore Crab has spread from Europe to California and is now
seen in southern British Columbia. The species could impact shellfish farms in Alaska.
One way to delay the spread of invasive species is to wash off sediment that could harbor organisms
from one port to another. The anchor and anchor chain are potential vectors for the spread of invasive
species. Anchorages in Alaska occur in Sitka, Hoonah (Pt Icy Strait), Juneau, Ketchikan, and could occur
at other ports. Please note that anchorwash operations are not logged on several vessels as there is no
requirement, so it is best to observe as this operation is done.
What to check for: Anchors and anchor chains are rinsed when retrieved. (33 CFR 151.2035(a(5)) The
anchor chain must be “carefully and thoroughly washed down” (EPA VGP 2.2.8).
Figure 4- Anchor winch
Citations:
33 CFR 151.2035 (a)5))
(5) Rinse anchors and anchor chains when you retrieve the anchor to remove organisms and sediments
at their place of origin.
EPA VGP 2.2.8 (Chain Locker effluent)
The anchor chain must be carefully and thoroughly washed down (i.e., more than a cursory
rinse) as it is being hauled out of the water to remove sediment and marine organisms. In addition,
chain lockers must be cleaned thoroughly during dry docking to eliminate accumulated sediments and
any potential accompanying pollutants. For vessels that regularly sail outside waters subject to this
permit, if technically feasible, periodically clean, rinse, and/or pump out the space beneath the chain
locker prior to entering waters subject to this permit (preferably mid ocean) if the anchor has been
lowered into any nearshore waters. Furthermore, for vessels that leave waters subject to this permit at
least once per month, chain lockers may not be rinsed or pumped out in waters subject to this permit,
unless not emptying them would compromise safety. Such a safety claim must be documented in the
vessel’s recordkeeping documentation consistent with Part 4.2.
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