If memory serves, and sometimes, at least in my case, it does not, this is the second posting we have had here on the Cruisers’ Net concerning the local water cops in Georgetown handing out tickets for anchored vessels not showing an anchor light. So, if you drop the hook off the downtown Georgetown waterfront (on the Sampit River), be SURE you have an anchor light that functions till the next morning’s light (see below)!

Subject: Georgetown, S.C. harbour update
Cruising News: Know And Follow the rules!
This past Friday I received a little “gift” from the DNR, in the form of a 110.00 ticket for “No anchor light between sunset and sunrise”. Now I did think I had an anchor light, I had installed a solar light on the Stearn rail that glowed brightly every night as I walked down the Harbourwalk. There were several problems with this that the DNR was only happy to point out! First was that solar lights are only as good as the batteries they contain AND how much direct sunlight they receive. The DNR patrol toured the harbour at 04:30, and apparently by then my light managed to run down. I’m not usually out and about at 4:30, so I was unaware.
The second and probably more important point is that a light on the rail is NOT visible 360 degrees, and therefore does NOT satisfy RULE 30.
It would seem that the only option would be the masthead anchor light, but no the DNR will accept two lights, one on the bow and one on the stearn to create a 360 degree arc of visibility. (Remember the rule ALSO states that the light must be visible for a minimum of two miles. My problem was that my exhisting anchor light will drain the batteries in no time, and me getting up the mast with ease just ain’t going to happen. What I came up with is a low amp light with a photo cell mounted on a ‘pig stick’ that I can put up when we are at anchor (which by the way is where the boat lives way too much of the time. I hope this might clear up some of the confusion re lights here. BTW, there should be more news soon regarding the proposed mooring field, I’ll post as soon as I hear anything.
Fair winds
George

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