What does it mean if a vessel is at anchor?

A vessel at anchor means that it is secured to the seabed with an anchor. When a boat is anchored, it typically drops its anchor into the water, which then digs into the seabed and prevents the vessel from drifting with currents or wind. This is an important maneuver for vessels that need to stay in a specific location without relying on a dock or other structures.

Anchoring is often used for various reasons, such as resting, fishing, or taking on passengers. The process involves the use of chain or rope that attaches the anchor to the boat, ensuring the vessel remains in place. Being at anchor does not imply that the boat is tied to a dock; instead, it is free-floating but held in position by the anchor’s grip on the ground below.