How to let go an anchor - Anchor dropping Step by step procedure

Summary

This instructional video script details the process of dropping an anchor from a vessel. It covers the windlass and winch operation, engaging gears, and releasing the anchor chain. The script emphasizes safety, chain handling, and the importance of recognizing shackle positions. It concludes with reporting the vessel's anchoring status, ensuring the anchor holds ground and the ship is secure.

Takeaways

• 🚢 Anchoring Procedure: The script describes a step-by-step process of dropping an anchor from a vessel.
• 🔧 Equipment Overview: It introduces the key equipment involved, such as the windlass, gypsy, and mooring ropes.
• 🔄 Gear Engagement: Explains how to engage and disengage the gear on a windlass or winch.
• 📍 Bow Stopper: Highlights the role of the bow stopper in taking the strain of the windlass.
• 🔻 Anchor Lowering: Details the lowering of the anchor to approximately 1 meter above water level before letting go.
• 🚫 Halse Pipe Protection: Emphasizes keeping the anchor clear of the hawse pipe to prevent damage.
• 🔗 Chain Handling: Describes the process of handling the anchor chain and the use of brakes.
• 🔑 Shackle Identification: Provides a method to identify the fourth shackle on the anchor chain.
• 📡 Reporting: Stresses the importance of reporting the status of the anchor after it's dropped.
• 🔍 Angle Reduction: Explains how to observe and interpret the angle of the chain to determine if the vessel is securely anchored.
• 🔚 Final Steps: Concludes with closing the bow stopper, securing the anchor gear, and covering the hawse pipe.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the windlass on a vessel?

The windlass is used to deploy and retrieve the anchor, and it also supports the weight of the anchor and the cable.

What is the function of the gypsy in relation to the windlass?

The gypsy is where the anchor chain comes out from the chain locker, passes through, and goes out through the hawse pipe.

Why is the anchor kept about 1 meter above water level before letting go?

To prevent any damage to the hawse pipe that could be caused by the anchor chain.

What is the role of the bow stopper on a ship?

The bow stopper is used to take the strain of the windlass, which includes the weight of the anchor and the cable.

How is the anchor chain secured when preparing to let go of the anchor?

The anchor chain is held in place by the brakes of the winch when preparing to let go of the anchor.

What does 'two on deck' mean in the context of letting go of the anchor?

'Two on deck' refers to the number of shackles of the anchor chain that are visible on deck, indicating the chain length that has been paid out.

Why is it important to identify the fourth shackle when letting go of the anchor?

Identifying the fourth shackle is crucial as it helps the crew to know how much chain has been let out and to ensure that the anchor is set properly.

What does 'short stay' and 'medium stay' refer to when reporting the anchor's position?

'Short stay' and 'medium stay' refer to the angle and tension of the anchor chain, indicating the degree to which the chain is stretched and the anchor's holding power.

How do you know when the vessel has been brought up to the anchor?

When the chain starts taking the weight and the angle reduces to a 'very short stay' at a specific direction, it indicates that the anchor is holding the ground and the vessel is not dragging.

What is the final step after the anchor has been successfully dropped?

The final step is to close the bow stopper, secure the anchor gear for emergency let go, and close the hawse pipe cover.

Why is it necessary to report the vessel's position after dropping the anchor?

Reporting the vessel's position ensures that the ship is securely anchored and not at risk of drifting or dragging anchor.