Not every stretch of water is safe to stop. An anchorage is a designated or naturally suitable area where ships can drop anchor with adequate depth, holding ground, and shelter from weather and traffic.

Port authorities mark official anchorages on charts and often assign berths by radio. Depth, bottom composition, swinging room, and proximity to channels all matter. In busy ports, vessels may wait days at anchorage for a berth or for cargo to be ready.

Poor holding ground or sudden weather shifts turn a routine anchorage into a crisis. Watchkeepers monitor position continuously, and engines stay ready. Some anchorages serve as holding areas for inspection, quarantine, or lightering before the ship proceeds alongside.

• Safe area for ships to anchor
• Chosen for depth, holding ground, and shelter
• Often regulated and assigned by port authorities
• Requires continuous position monitoring