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Anchoring

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Kate Tilos
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
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Anchoring

Uploaded by

Kate Tilos
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Explain the procedures and related anchoring Activities per safe

working practices

—Anchoring

Anchoring in ships refers to the process of using an anchor to secure a


vessel in place, typically in a harbor, bay, or another suitable location
where the water depth and bottom conditions allow. The anchor is a heavy
object, often with a hook-like design, attached to the ship by a chain or
cable. When dropped to the seabed, the anchor digs into the bottom,
providing a firm hold against the ship’s movement caused by currents,
winds, or waves. This allows the ship to remain stationary or relatively
stationary as needed.

—Anchoring Principles

Anchoring is a crucial practice in maritime operations, ensuring that a


vessel remains securely in place when not under propulsion. The
effectiveness of anchoring relies on a set of key principles designed to
maximize stability and safety. These principles include understanding the
holding power of an anchor, the importance of proper anchor chain scope,
and the role of the seabed type (holding ground) in determining how well
an anchor grips. Additionally, factors like wind, current, and swing radius
must be accounted for to avoid anchor dragging or collisions. Mastering
these anchoring principles is essential for the safe mooring of ships in a
variety of marine environments.

—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.

V= Vertical Length of the Anchor Chain

H = Horizontal Length of the

Anchor ChainScope = The Total Length Of the Anchor Chain

Catenary = The Length of Anchor Cable that Curves upwards in an Arc

Maintenance

Routine maintenance of the windlass and anchoring equipment Should be


carried out according to the manufacturer’s Instructions and to include but
not be limited to:

• Greasing and inspection of all moving parts.

• Inspection of anchor-securing equipment, such as chain Stoppers and


chain cable tensioners.
• Inspection, adjustment, and overhaul of windlass brakes (the Whole
brake assembly), bands and linings, and cable Stoppers.

• Inspection of anchor, D shackles, shackle pins, crown pin, Joining


shackles, flukes and shank.

ANCHORING BEST PRACTICESCONSIDER THE FOLLOWING FOR


SAFE AND SUCCESSFUL ANCHORING OPERATIONS:

• Traffic and congestion in the area and backup option

• Water depth – enough chain scope for good anchoring

• Safe distance to underwater cables and pipelines

• Consider seabed and ambient conditions, i.e. nature of the sea bottom,
weather and tidal Conditions.

• Proximity of dangers and other vessels and length of stay; use


designated anchoring areas As applicable

• Windlass may not be able to recover more than three lengths of anchor
chain (82.5m)

• Crew members should consult the anchoring equipment manufacturer’s


manuals for

Instructions regarding the chain lifter, windlass, anchor chain and anchor.

• Crew members should wear appropriate personal protective equipment


(PPE) during Anchoring operations.

• Recommended ship speed for anchoring is 0.1-0.5 knots astern.

• 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.

• If the anchor is dragging, heave up the anchor and re-anchor.


• Consider main engine stand-by in case weather conditions, objects in
the proximity of The vessel or any other factors create uncertainty
regarding anchoring safety.

• 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.

• If you encounter rough weather – do not anchor or leave the anchorage.

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