Modul Pelatihan bidang

Operasi Peralatan Angkat 1

Deck Machinery
Operation Of An Anchor Windlass And Cargo Winch
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Note : Uniform shipping Law Code (USL Code) is one of the shipping laws and regulations of
Australia, which provides standards for the design, construction and operation of domestic
commercial vessels in Australian waters.
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The USL Code requires an anchor windlass to be fitted where the weight of the anchor
is greater than 30kg and, where the anchor weighs more than 50kg the windlass must
be power operated. Two anchors are required except for very small vessels.
An anchor windlass is comprised of a frame that supports a mainshaft in bearings.
Mounted on the shaft are:
 •   a cable lifter drum (often called a “gypsy”), grooved and slotted to fit the anchor
cable
•  a brake drum secured to or forming part of the cable lifter, with brake band, housing
and operating mechanism attached to the windlass frame
•   a clutch usually a "dog" type clutch/s to release the cable lifter and allow it to rotate
freely on the shaft
•   for manual operation, a crank handle at one or both ends of the shaft
•  for power operation, a electric or hydraulic motor coupled to the shaft; where two
anchors are provided the usual arrangement is for the motor to be located between
the windlasses for each anchor or be located aft of the windlasses. In this latter case
the motor drives the main shaft through gearing.

On vessels where mooring ropes/wires are too heavy to handle manually, the main
windlass shaft is often extended at each end to take warping drums for handling the
mooring wires/ropes on arrival/departure from port.
 

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Modul Pelatihan bidang
Operasi Peralatan Angkat 2
The warping drums may be locked on the shaft or are de-clutchable. The latter
arrangement is the safest.

Anchor windlass system

Safe Operation
Anchor Operations
Before starting the motor, check that the area around the windlass is clear of
ropes/wires and other gear, and that there are no ropes or wires on warping drum/s.
 
In some cases, it may be necessary to start the motor to take the load. Ensure all
clutches/brakes are in the appropriate positions and check that chain stoppers, devils
claws and/or lashings are removed and cable is clear

Start the motor

At all times, stand aft of windlass and ensure you are not in line with the run of the
cable. The windlass operating position is suitable.
 
Keep clear of warping drums if they are not de-clutchable.
 
When lowering cable, check that dog clutch is clear of cable lifter and release brake
sufficient to control the run out speed of the cable. If lowered too quickly it may whip
and jump on and off the cable lifter.
 
When riding at anchor, fit the chain stopper or devils claw and/or lashings to secure the
cable. Allow some sag of the cable between stopper or claw and the windlass so that
the anchor and cable weight is carried on the stopper or claw. This is so that the
windlass is isolated from load and shocks.
 
When hoisting cable, ensure the dog clutch is engaged with cable lifter and brake is off.
Release chain stopper or devils claw and/or lashings. Start hoisting cable. If the anchor
housing is not visible from the windlass operating position, ensure that an assistant is
available to signal when the anchor appears and ensure the anchor is housed securely.

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Modul Pelatihan bidang
Operasi Peralatan Angkat 3
 
Fit chain stopper or devils claw and/or lashings to secure the anchor. Release clutch so
that anchor weight is carried on its stopper. The brake should be on in case the stopper
or lashings should accidentally slacken or come adrift.
 
General Precautions
The windlass is in an exposed position on the foredeck or forecastle. The deck area is
often wet and could be slippery. Wires, ropes, cable and fittings are hard to handle.
Therefore as a minimum non-slip footwear, heavy duty gloves and clothing that is not
to loose to get caught in the rotating machinery should be worn

Cargo Winch
On smaller vessels a cargo winch is normally used in conjunction with a swinging
derrick and like the windlass is comprised of a frame that supports a shaft in bearings.
Mounted on the shaft are:
 
•   a winding drum fixed to the shaft, usually between the two bearings. The drum
may be grooved to seat the wire rope better.
•   a brake drum secured to the winding drum, with brake band and housing attached
to the winch frame. The brake is usually foot operated.
•   an electric or hydraulic motor coupled to one end of the shaft.
 
The electric motor and in many cases the hydraulic motor is fitted with a solenoid
operated magnetic brake that comes into operation whenever the motor controller is
brought to the stop position. This is to prevent slippage if the winch is supporting a
load. The foot brake can be used for fine control or in an emergency.

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Modul Pelatihan bidang
Operasi Peralatan Angkat 4

Cargo Winch

Safe Operation
Check that the end of the wire (common name: runner) on the winding drum is
securely fastened to the drum. At least three turns should remain on the drum when
the runner is at the maximum operating length of the rig.
 
From the operating position of the winch, take note of the run of the wire. This is to
ensure that should the wire run loose, you will not be in its path.
 
Clear all loose wires and other equipment not necessary for the operation of the winch
from the working area around the winch.
 
The general conditions as noted for the windlass apply to the operation of the winch.

Dangers Of Incorrect Operation

Some of the safety requirements and possible dangers arising from normal operation of
windlasses and winches have been discussed previously. The main danger is damage to
the equipment or personnel.
 
In general, deck equipment is robust and will tolerate some rough handling but care
must still be taken.
 
Most safety problems that arise are from incorrect operation, such as:
 
• Overloading the windlass when breaking the anchor from the ground, or pulling the
anchor hard home into its housing.
• Uncontrolled dropping of an anchor. The cable may whip and snake, injuring
personnel who may be standing close.
• Riding the brake when a winch is under load. This could stall the motor at a critical
moment in the operation.
• Overloading a winch such that the wire breaks. A wire breaking under load will whirl
wildly in all directions and could severely injure personnel in its path.
 
Equipment will serve you well if maintained, treated and operated with respect

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Modul Pelatihan bidang
Operasi Peralatan Angkat 5

Routine Maintenance
Deck machinery is fairly robust, but regular routine maintenance will serve you better
over time.
 
 Windlasses and winches
 
• Grease or oil the main bearings.
• Inject grease into all grease points.
• Oil all linkages that do not have grease points. Use a penetrating oil if normal
lubricating oil is not effective.
• Oil or grease the threads on spindles of brake operating gear.
• Check motors, both electric and hydraulic in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
• Loose gear (such as shackles, blocks, swivels, chains, and wires) should be examined
regularly, stripped down, inspected and oiled or greased in accordance with the
periodic inspection requirements.
• Test and inspect all running equipment under no load to ensure it is operating freely.

Reference :
MED 3 Enginering Knowledge, The edumaritime Education & Training Programs,
University of Tasmania At Launceston, Tasmania, Australia. 2014

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