What is the purpose of the Anchoring & Anchor Watch procedure?
To provide general guidelines for all vessels for safe anchoring and correct use of anchors.
Who is responsible for ensuring compliance with this procedure?
The Shipboard Management is responsible for compliance and for ensuring all personnel are familiar with the operation and maintenance of the windlass.
What preparations should be made before arriving at the anchorage?
A Deck Officer will supervise the forward anchor station with at least one Deck Rating. You should evaluate safety conditions, weather, depth, seabed nature, and UKC. A JSA meeting should be held with the anchoring team. The anchor windlass must be checked in advance. Anchor lights and daylight signals should be tested if anchoring at night or in ample time before use.
What is the importance of having both anchors fully operational?
One anchor alone may not be sufficient to stop or hold the vessel, so both must be fully operational at all times.
What should be done with the anchor when it is walked out to just above the water?
The windlass brake shall be engaged and the clutch disengaged to prevent the hydraulic motor from being pulled backward by the weight of the anchor and chain.
How should a Master select a suitable anchorage position?
Unless a position is designated by an authority, the Master should identify a suitable position before entering the area. In a crowded anchorage, plotting the positions of other ships can help.
What should be done once an anchorage position is selected?
A planned approach should be made. [cite_start]The best approach direction can be determined by noting the heading of other similar vessels to ensure the ship anchors stemming the current or wind.
What is a swinging circle and why is it important?
The swinging circle is the area the vessel will swing in when anchored. An estimated swing circle should be drawn on a chart or ECDIS before arrival to monitor the vessel’s position during anchoring.
What are the factors that directly affect the holding power of an anchor?
Anchoring during inclement weather, continuous excessive swaying or strong currents, hard impact from being dropped from inappropriate heights, excessive use of the same anchor, and double banking by barges.
What is the difference between ‘letting go’ and ‘walking back’ the anchor?
For ‘letting go’ with a stemming current or wind, the vessel must have a sternway over the ground of 0.5 to 1.0 knots. For ‘walking back,’ the speed over the ground must be close to zero.
When should a Master avoid letting go the anchor and instead walk it back?
Letting go the anchor should be avoided as far as possible, and the anchor should be walked back regardless of depth.
What is the procedure for anchoring in water depths greater than 30 meters?
Always walk out the anchor under windlass power until the required length of chain has been lowered.
How can you tell if the anchor is holding?
The anchor chain will tighten up to a certain load and then slacken off to a lesser load.
What should you do if the chain is ‘jumping’ or fails to slacken up?
The anchor may not be holding, and more chain should be paid out.
What should the anchoring team do once the vessel is brought up?
Tighten the brakes and put the chain stopper bar in place to take the weight of the chain.
How does an anchor hold a ship?
When an anchor is dropped, the crown hits the seabed first. As the ship moves back, the flukes dig into the seabed, holding the ship in place.
What are the three main factors affecting the holding power of an anchor?
The construction of the anchor (fluke area), the nature of the seabed, and the scope of the anchor cable.
What are the three types of anchors as per IACS?
Normal holding power anchors, high holding power anchors, and super high holding power anchors.
Which type of seabed provides the strongest holding ground and which provides the least?
Sand is considered the strongest holding ground, while soft mud is the least effective.
What is the ‘scope’ of an anchor cable and what is the recommended thumb rule?
The scope is the ratio of the depth of water to the length of the cable paid out. A scope of 6 is generally advisable (e.g., 120 meters of cable for 20 meters of depth).
What key things should be checked on a nautical chart before anchoring?
Ensure the area is designated for your ship type, complies with UKC requirements, is within the ship’s maximum anchoring depth, is clear of obstructions like cables or wrecks, and has a suitable seabed.
What is the chart symbol ‘#’ and why is it important for anchoring?
The symbol ‘#’ indicates foul ground, which should be avoided for anchoring as the anchor may get stuck.
What is the typical lifting capacity of a ship’s windlass?
Most ship windlasses can lift the weight of the anchor plus about 3 shackles of chain, making anchoring in depths up to 80 meters feasible.
-
Ever Questionnaire37
-
Master Interview55
-
Cargo Claims211
-
Anchoring36
-
Hydrometer Differences6
-
Speed Through Water or Speed Over Ground8
-
Ship Damage38
-
Risk of Partially Filled Ballast Holds or Tanks of a Seagoing Bulk Carrier7
-
Prevention of Disputes on Dry Bulk Cargo Quantities at Discharge Ports9
-
Preparing a Ship7
-
Passage Planning3
-
IMSBC Code19
-
Procedures8
-
Charter Party9
-
Cargo and Cargo Hold Ventilation13
-
A Good Captain138
-
Business37
