Using the mooring buoys.
We could sure use the help of thoughtful divers and boaters!
We have installed 5 mooring buoys and are scheduled to install many more. In less than 6 months 3 of the 5 are missing due to misuse or cut lines by props.
Please pass on the instructions for the proper use of these important buoys.
1) Approach the buoy slowly into the wind or current.
2) Cleat your mooring line to a bow cleat and keep the loose end available.
3) Using a hook, lift the pick-up line coming from the buoy and pass the loose end of your line through the eye of the pick-up line.
4) Throw the pick-up line back in the water and cleat the loose end of your line to the other bow cleat.
Your mooring line should be making a "V" shape toward the mooring buoy (See the photo below). This allows your vessel to move freely without putting too much tension on your boat or the mooring system.
DO NOT cleat the eye of the mooring buoy's pick-up line directly to your vessel. That creates tension on the mooring buoys anchor and lines and also on your boat.
DO NOT put a loop around the base of the mooring buoy. The bouy line will pull through, the buoy will come off and your boat will float away (This has already happened there at least once).
When you are leaving the site, simply remove the loose end of your line from the cleat, pull your line in and allow your boat to float away. Please be very careful, as you are leaving, not to run over the pick-up line.
Thanks a million for passing on this information. The buoys are there so we can all enjoy the reef while protecting it from damage.
Cheers!
Jim Hutslar
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