Anchoring
Anchoring
working practices
—Anchoring
—Anchoring Principles
—Anchoring principles
The best anchoring performance occurs when the anchor cable forms a
gentle curve, with most of the catenary lying below the water’s surface. In
this case, only gravity acts vertically on the catenary, keeping the vessel
anchored. However, if the anchor cable is too short, the curve becomes
too steep, reducing the effect of gravity and compromising the hold. When
there is excessive tension on the cable, the anchor can be lifted from its
position on the seabed and dragged in the direction of the force applied.
—Anchoring principles
Even with a long length of anchor cable deployed, under heavy load, the
cable will extend in a straight line from the hawse pipe to the sea,
showing that the gravitational effect of the catenary anchoring the vessel
has been surpassed. A straight cable, no matter its length, suggests that
the vessel is now relying solely on the anchor, which might already be
dragging. If the cable vibrates while straight, it could be a sign of the
anchor dragging. Typically, a straight anchor cable means more cable
needs to be paid out to restore the catenary curve and allow gravity to
help anchor the vessel. It also indicates that the cable is under excessive
forces beyond its design limits.
Maintenance
• Consider seabed and ambient conditions, i.e. nature of the sea bottom,
weather and tidal Conditions.
• Windlass may not be able to recover more than three lengths of anchor
chain (82.5m)
Instructions regarding the chain lifter, windlass, anchor chain and anchor.
• Once the vessel is anchored, verify that the chain becomes slack
(anchor is holding) and Tight again for several consecutive cycles.
• Once the anchor is confirmed and holding, give slack between the chain
lifter and the
Chain stopper (if fitted) to avoid direct jolts to the windlass brake.
• When heaving up the anchor, maneuver vessel after the chain only to
lift the slack chain -Vessel is only fitted with chain lifter!
• Once the anchor is heaved and “at home”, secure the anchor tightly in
its pocket to avoid Slamming and damages.