Anchoring

Remember !!!

Do not anchor in depths greater than windlass pulling power. Find alternate anchorage or remain a drift.

How do we determine the length of the cable?

Various factors would need to be taken into account in determining the length of cable, (draft, strength
of wind and tide etc.)

A simple rule in determining length of cable to use: Square Roots (disambiguation) from depth √Depth

Or:

Normal weather and ground conditions:

Length of cable = [(Depth of water in meters * 2) + 90 ] / 27.5 (shackle length)

Rough Weather: 3 x D + 140 meters

Length of cable = [(Depth of water in meters * 3) + 140 ] / 27.5

What are the methods of dropping anchor in to the sea?

There are two ways

By letting go (By gravity)

By Paying away (By Gear Windlass)

If the depth is more than 60mtrs it is recommended to lower down anchor by gear until anchor reach
the seabed, and than, secure anchor by holding brake, disengage the gear and continue to pay away by
gravity

4. How do you calculate the anchor swinging circle?

Ship’s length (Bridge GPS antenna to fwd) + (How many shackles x 27.5m)

Centre of swinging circle is the point where anchor fluke touches SEABED.
5. ANCHOR STATION:-

a. Prior entering the anchorage area, the anchor party should be stand by forward to undertake
checks and preparations to commenced the anchor operation.

It is very important to maintain good communication between bridge and anchor party, secondary
means of communication to be tested and kept stand by .

Describe the procedure of letting go Anchor?

Approach the anchor position (on vessel up to 50Kt DWT) keep heading into wind and tide with
speed around 2 knots, when approaching to position 1Nm reduce the speed up to 0.5NM, in 2 cables to
position STOP the Engine and give Dead Slow Astern. Lower the anchor with gear to SEA LEVEL and then
hold the anchor on brake

Give Stern movement in order to stop the vessel over the ground, once the vessel is in the anchoring
position drop the anchor by opening the brake maintain around 0.5 knots stern speed to allow the cable
not to pile up., and Anchor Flukes bite the ground properly, this must be monitored and reported on
bridge by Anchor Officer.

Hold the break once required cable length is paid out. Secure Chain by Chain Bar (Tongue), Put the
Anchor Mark on Chain which Should be visible from Bridge, Hoist the “Anchor Ball” and light the Anchor
Light.