200836 Anchors dislodged at sea

Three of our vessels reported that their bower anchors were dislodged from the stowed position during bad weather. In one case, an anchor along with the chain was lost. In the other two cases, the anchors and chain were recovered due to prompt action taken by the ships' staff. Regardless of the circumstances, such incidents are a direct result of inadequate precautions and lashings taken for sea passage in heavy weather conditions.

The following procedures must be considered to be the minimum:
Brakes are to be tightened and the operating handle lashed to prevent the brake from working loose;
A minimum of two wire rope strops of appropriate strength and in good condition, led through different links on the chain, must lash each anchor and be tightened to equal tension, with independent turnbuckles;
Each bow stopper must be fully seated with locking bolt secured in place;
If appropriate, the windlass gear may be engaged after housing and lashing the anchors, taking care that only the brake, lashings and the bow stopper are all bearing equal stress;
The brake system must be regularly checked for proper condition and optimum adjustment;
Finally, the anchor lashings must be checked at sea daily, especially prior to encountering bad weather.

FEEDBACK - December 2008

Regarding the above report, I do not agree with engaging the windlass gear as part of securing the anchors. This could lead to the inability to clear the anchors when there is no power to the windlass so that it may be disengaged and the anchor let go.
 

Editor’s note: This statement is based on good seamanship and ship operators may well include this instruction in their manuals.