8. Anchorage.—
The rights of navigation are usually paramount in all navigable waters and the right of anchorage is essential for a full enjoyment of such rights. These waters are, in many respects, like highways on the land, and there is a like privilege of stopping upon them, from time to time, as an incident to the right of travel thereon, subject to the reasonable requirements of traffic and the rights of abutting property. The right of passage extends to every part of the water, but the right of anchorage is confined to such places as are usual or reasonable, in view of local conditions. It does not imply the power to remain for long periods of time or to create a nuisance. Charges for anchorage may be made by the owner of the property used if it is an artificial one so that his work in improving or rendering it accessible forms a consideration for the amounts required. Generally, where only a natural roadstead is utilized in the course of navigation, it is no more subject to expense to the vessel than the temporary stopping of a vehicle upon a street.
The vessel, being at anchor in a proper place and otherwise complying with law, is not liable for damages sustained by collision with it, but, obviously, will have a strong case against the ship which runs her down. She ought not to anchor in an exposed situation, except in cases of necessity, and then only as long as the necessity prevails.