Anchor Equipment & Operations – Comprehensive Study Notes

Page 1 – Anchor Equipment and Operation

• Introduction to the subject matter: the hardware (anchors, chains, windlass, stoppers, etc.) and the step-by-step operational sequence (selection of anchorage, letting-go, paying out, monitoring, retrieval, emergency response).

Page 2 – STCW Competence Reference

• STCW Code reference: A-II/1 F3 C2A\text{-}II/1\,F3\,C2 – “Maintain the seaworthiness of the ship.”
• Anchoring & mooring competence is a vital component of overall seaworthiness.

Page 3 – Knowledge, Understanding, Proficiency (KUP) A-II/5 F1 C2

• KUP1 Working knowledge of the mooring system & related procedures, including:

  1. Function of each mooring/tug line and its role in the total resisting‐force system.
  2. Capacities, SWL, breaking strengths of all components (wires, synthetic/fibre lines, winches, windlasses, capstans, bitts, chocks, bollards).
  3. Step-by-step procedures for making fast & letting-go mooring/tug wires, incl. towing lines.
  4. Procedures & order of events for the use of anchors in the full range of operations (stand-by, normal anchoring, emergency anchoring, dredging, heaving-in, etc.).

Page 4 – Course Outcome (CO3)

• “Construct the procedures and order of events for anchoring and other mooring operations in accordance with safe working practices.”

Page 5 – Learning Outcomes (LO 3.1)

• Explain procedures for:
– Anchoring activities in line with safe working practices.
– Conducting safe mooring operations.

Page 6 – Anchor (चित्र / anchor symbol)

• Visual cue: Topic centrepiece.

Page 7 – Importance of Proper Anchoring

• Fundamental for safe mooring, vessel stability & drift-prevention.
• Protects vessel, crew, environment.
• Requires adherence to documented safe working practices (SWP).

Page 8 – Anchor Types (Overview)

• Common types listed with design intention & seabed suitability:
Danforth, Hall, AC-14, Spek, Kedge/Admiralty, Byers, Union, Pool, Stockless, KLIP, ZY-6, D’Hone, Bruce, FOB, Navy Stockless.

Page 9 – Stockless Anchor (Hall)

• Most widely used in modern shipping.
• Central shank, no stock → streamlined retrieval into hawse pipe.
• Good general-purpose performance across seabeds.

Page 10 – Stock / Admiralty Anchor

• Has perpendicular stock ⇒ faster setting & directional stability.
• Bulkier stowage; now mainly for small craft, rarely for merchant ships.

Page 11 – Danforth (Fluke) Anchor

• Two flat, pointed flukes at 90∘90^{\circ} to the shank.
• High holding in sand/mud; lightweight vs holding power; may trip if vessel swings >90∘90^{\circ}.

Page 12 – Plow (CQR) Anchor

• Single curved pivoting fluke; self-resetting if direction of pull changes.
• Good in sand, mud, gravel; popular on yachts & offshore units.

Page 13 – Mushroom Anchor

• Mushroom-shaped head, heavy rounded bottom.
• Used for permanent moorings, buoys, lightships; relies on suction effect over time.

Page 14 – Parts of an Anchor & Windlass: Importance

• Vessel with only one operational anchor deemed unseaworthy.
• All parts (anchor, chain, windlass, bitter end, fittings) must be inspected & maintained.

Page 15 – Parts of an Anchor (1–4)

  1. Crown / “D” Shackle – connects shank to chain.
  2. Shank – main central bar connecting crown shackle to crown.
  3. Fluke / Palm – flat surface that buries & creates holding power.
  4. Pea / Bill – tip of fluke that first penetrates seabed.

Page 16 – Parts of an Anchor (5–7)

  1. Stock – crossbar near crown (on older designs) to cant fluke downward. Modern stockless anchors omit.
  2. Crown (anchor head) – base of shank between tripping palms.
  3. Arm / Tripping Palm – on stockless anchors, cants anchor so fluke digs.

Page 17 – Anchor Chain Components (1–3)

  1. Anchor Link – small D-shackle between crown shackle & chain.
  2. Swivel – prevents chain twist & anchor flipping during yawing.
  3. Common Link – studded (with central stud) or open/studless.

Page 18 – Anchor Chain Components (4–6)

  1. Enlarged Link – larger studded link, part of swivel assembly.
  2. End Link – studless, connects anchor link to enlarged link/swivel.
  3. Kenter Shackle – detachable joining shackle allowing chain length identification & removal for survey.

Page 19 – Windlass Arrangement (1–4)

  1. Hawse Pipe – stowage & run path for stockless anchor chain.
  2. Guide Roller – leads chain onto gypsy.
  3. Brake – mechanical band brake controlling chain payout speed.
  4. Chain Stopper (Bow/Guillotine) – locks chain under load independent of windlass.

Page 20 – Windlass Arrangement (5–9)

  1. Gypsy Wheel (Wildcat) – sprocketed wheel engaging chain for heaving/lowering.
  2. Spurling Pipe – vertical pipe from deck to chain locker.
  3. Chain Locker – compartment storing chain; one per anchor.
  4. Bitter End – inboard termination of chain to ship’s structure with quick-release.
  5. Anchor Lashings – turnbuckles/shackles/wires securing anchor for sea passage (in addition to brake & stopper).

Page 21 – II. Anchoring Procedures (heading)

• Sequence from planning through retrieval.

Page 22 – Selecting an Anchorage (Overview)

• Safety & stability depend on correct site selection.

Page 23 – Factor 1: Water Depth

• Must allow anchor to reach seabed with adequate scope, yet avoid grounding at low tide.

Page 24 – Factor 2: Seabed Conditions

• Matching anchor type to seabed (mud, sand, clay, rock, coral) maximizes holding.

Page 25 – Factor 3: Weather Conditions

• Assess currents, tides, prevailing & forecast winds, sea state.

Page 26 – Factor 4: Proximity to Navigation Channels

• Maintain safe clearance to avoid obstructing traffic & collision risk.

Page 27 – Factor 5: Emergency Escape Routes

• Pre-plan immediate manoeuvring options for bad weather/mechanical failure.

Page 28 – Factor 6: Environmental Regulations

• Reef/sensitive area restrictions; MARPOL/MPA local rules.

Page 29 – Factor 7: Visibility & Navigation Aids

• Ensure line-of-sight to beacons, buoys, lights; important for night watch.

Page 30 – Factor 8: Security & Piracy Risk

• Select secure locations; consider naval convoys, citadel measures.

Page 31 – Factor 9: Local Knowledge & Charts

• Consult pilots, harbour master, updated electronic & paper charts.

Page 32 – B. Preparing for Anchoring (Importance)

• Inspection & readiness prevent equipment failure and accidents.

Page 33 – Step 1: Assemble Anchoring Crew

• Assign clear roles (windlass operator, brake man, cable observer, communicator).

Page 34 – Step 2: PPE

• Gloves, safety helmets, lifejackets; hearing protection if needed.

Page 35 – Step 3: Proceed to Anchor Locker Area

• Clear trip hazards, rig lighting for night operations.

Page 36 – Step 4: Inspect Anchor

• Check for cracks, bent flukes, corrosion; repair/replace as required.

Page 37 – Step 5: Inspect Chain/Cable

• Identify kinks, wear, excessive corrosion; verify secure connection to anchor shank.

Page 38 – Step 6: Inspect Shackles & Attachments

• Confirm correct SWL, securing pins/bolts moused; certificates up-to-date.

Page 39 – Step 7: Test Windlass

• Run in both directions under no-load; listen for abnormal noise.

Page 40 – Step 8: Lubrication & Maintenance

• Grease gypsy, gear housings; top-up hydraulic oil if fitted.

Page 41 – Step 9: Prepare Anchor for Deployment

• Connect shackle, position anchor at hawse mouth ready to let-go; remove lashing.

Page 42 – Step 10: Stow Extra Gear

• Spare anchors, cables coiled/lashed to prevent fouling.

Page 43 – Step 11: Brief the Crew

• Review hand signals, radio procedure, emergency stop signal, pinch-point hazards.

Page 44 – Step 12: Stand-by for Deployment

• Bridge manoeuvres to heading & speed <!1\,\text{kt}; deck team on alert.

Page 45 – C. Dropping the Anchor (Photo credit: iStock/KenTannenbaum)

• Two main methods: letting-go by brake, or walking-back under power.

Page 46 – Rule: Letting-Go

• Do NOT drop by brake from >20 m above seabed (except emergency) to avoid chain damage & shock load.

Page 47 – Rule: Walking-Back in Deep Water

• Depths >80 m impose load beyond windlass design. Use caution; consider letting-go + controlled brake.

Page 48 – Windlass Capacity Note

• Design criterion: windlass motor can heave three shackles (≈82 m\approx82\,\text{m}) plus anchor weight.

Page 49 – D. Paying Out Cable (Heading)

• Control scope, speed, tension, communication.

Page 50 – Concept of Scope

• Scope = length of chain paid out ÷ water depth.

Page 51 – Recommended Scope

• Normal conditions: Scope=5:1 to 7:1\text{Scope}=5{:}1\ \text{to}\ 7{:}1.
• Heavy weather: increase scope to enhance horizontal holding force.
• Calculation includes distance from hawse to seabed (depth) plus anticipated tidal rise.

Page 52 – Speed of Release (Importance)

• Too fast ⇒ snubbing & shock load.

Page 53 – Snubbing Defined

• Snubbing occurs when chain suddenly stops at gypsy end, causing potential damage.

Page 54 – Avoiding Snubbing

• Operator feathers brake/winch control for steady descent; may pause after each shackle.

Page 55 – Tension Control

• Maintain slight tension to help flukes set, avoid pile-up.
• Monitor with load sensors / tension indicators; adjust speed.

Page 56 – Communication & Coordination

• Continuous bridge ↔ deck commentary: vessel speed, heading, depth, shackles out, tension status.

Page 57 – III. Anchor Watch (Heading)

• Begins once anchor is on the ground & vessel position stable.

Page 58 – Role of Anchor Watch

• Safeguard vessel by ongoing monitoring of position, weather, gear.

Page 59 – Specific Duties (1–8)

  1. Plot/observe vessel position (bearing/Range GPS, radar ranges).
  2. Monitor weather (wind speed/direction, tide).
  3. Inspect visible anchor cable for lead & vibration.
  4. Maintain comms with bridge & engine room.
  5. Log observations/time.
  6. Respond to emergencies (dragging, collision risk).
  7. Remain vigilant/no distractions.
  8. Proper handover to relief watch.

Page 60 – Alarm Systems (Purpose)

• Early detection of anchor drag, weather changes, intrusion.
• Links to ECDIS, GPS, wind sensors, motion sensors.

Page 61 – Alarm Benefits (1–6)

  1. Early warning.
  2. Drag prevention / collision avoidance.
  3. Crew safety.
  4. Environmental protection.
  5. Equipment preservation.
  6. Regulatory compliance (SOLAS, ISM).

Page 62 – IV. Retrieving the Anchor (Heading)

• Also termed weighing anchor.

Page 63 – Weighing Anchor (Importance)

• Must be systematic to prevent equipment overload & seabed damage.

Page 64 – Weighing Procedure (11 Steps)

  1. Prepare crew & equipment (PPE, positions).
  2. Slack chain stopper / release chain tension.
  3. Engage windlass.
  4. Heave-in gradually; avoid overheating motor.
  5. Inspect cable for damage as it comes in.
  6. Break anchor out of seabed (when “short stay”).
  7. Secure anchor in hawse (brake, stopper, lashings).
  8. Flake/stow cable in locker.
  9. Disengage windlass, apply brake.
  10. Post-operation checks (temperature, oil leaks).
  11. Report “anchor home & secured” to bridge.

Page 65 – B. Anchor Cleaning & Maintenance (Rationale)

• Remove mud/debris, inspect integrity to ensure readiness & compliance.

Page 66 – Purposes (1–8)

  1. Safety & reliability.
  2. Operational efficiency (quicker setting).
  3. Environmental impact reduction (avoid transporting invasive species).
  4. Equipment longevity.
  5. Regulatory compliance (class, flag).
  6. Emergency readiness.
  7. Risk reduction (fewer fouling incidents).
  8. Crew training / awareness reinforcement.

Page 67 – V. Safe Working Practices (Heading)

• Overarching guidelines for all stages.

Page 68 – Safety Measures (General)

• Anchoring involves heavy loads, pinch points, dynamic forces.

Page 69 – Purposes of SWP in Anchoring (1–10)

  1. Wear PPE.
  2. Follow written procedures / risk assessment.
  3. Maintain correct positioning clear of bight.
  4. Avoid fatigue/distraction.
  5. Emergency response readiness.
  6. Observe weather limits.
  7. Conduct training & drills.
  8. Report hazards.
  9. Hold safety briefings/toolbox talks.
  10. Continuous monitoring throughout operation.

Page 70 – B. Environmental Considerations

• Prevent damage to coral, seagrass, protected zones. Part of corporate & IMO environmental stewardship.

Page 71 – Best Practices (1–13)

  1. Use designated anchorage zones.
  2. Ensure adequate depth to avoid seabed scour.
  3. Prefer mooring buoys where provided.
  4. Observe anchor-free zones on charts.
  5. Deploy eco-friendly anchors when possible.
  6. Calculate scope properly to minimise dragging.
  7. Frequent monitoring of swing & position.
  8. Alternative techniques (dynamic positioning, DPS).
  9. Retrieve anchor carefully to avoid seabed gouging.
  10. Educate crew on environmental impact.
  11. Comply with MARPOL/MPA rules.
  12. Support conservation initiatives.
  13. Maintain emergency environmental response plan.

Page 72 – VI. Emergency Procedures (Heading)

• Two critical contingencies: anchor dragging & fouled anchor.

Page 73 – A. Anchor Dragging (Definition)

• Loss of holding; vessel moves unintentionally.

Page 74 – Immediate Actions (1–7)

  1. Sound general alarm.
  2. Notify bridge/master.
  3. Engage propulsion; steer to relieve load.
  4. Pay out more chain if safe.
  5. If second anchor available, let-go.
  6. Inform & muster crew for standby.
  7. Monitor weather & adjust plan.

Page 75 – Communication Protocols (1–6)

  1. Continuous bridge–deck–engine communication.
  2. Broadcast on VHF to traffic.
  3. Contact coastal authorities/VTIS if risk of grounding.
  4. Prepare for abandon-ship if uncontrollable.
  5. Conduct drills as per SMS.
  6. Record event in log & incident report.

Page 76 – B. Fouled Anchor (Definition)

• Anchor entangled with underwater obstruction.

Page 77 – Fouled Anchor Procedures (1–10)

  1. Stop windlass to avoid overload.
  2. Assess via echo-sounder, ROV, diver if available.
  3. Notify bridge; consider manoeuvring vessel to free cable.
  4. Ease tension gradually; avoid snap-back.
  5. Identify fouling cause (rock, cable, pipeline).
  6. Attempt freeing: change heading, pay out/slack, use messenger line or tripping line.
  7. Apply controlled tension from different angles.
  8. Monitor cable & equipment for strain.
  9. Document circumstances, positions, depth.
  10. File report with authorities/class if anchor lost or obstruction damaged.