What does a 'good' anchor watch look like?
Anchor watch
Whether you’re in a quiet bay or outside a busy harbour, a vigilant anchor watch ensures that your vessel remains safely in place, no matter what the weather or surrounding conditions throw at you – but what does a good anchor watch actually look like in practice? From understanding the forecast and observing your surroundings to using the right tools and responding quickly to emergencies, it’s a mix of oldschool seamanship and modern technology, says training manager and HR/crew specialist
Captain George Papanelopoulos AFNI
Being at anchor is one of the most peaceful moments on a vessel, but it can also be one of the most vulnerable times during a voyage. Once the anchor is down, the vessel should stay put, but how do you ensure that? The answer lies in establishing a good anchor watch. How is this achieved? Let us break it down into stages.
Setting the stage
A good anchor watch starts long before you drop the anchor. It begins with understanding the conditions you are about to face. A weather forecast is not just a casual check; it forms the foundation of your anchoring plan. When you know what to expect, you can make better choices around where to anchor and how much anchor chain to let out. Here are three key areas to include in your pre-anchoring forecasting.
Wind: Wind can make or break an anchoring situation. Strong winds or sudden gusts can cause the vessel to drag its anchor (especially in light ballast condition). By checking the forecast, you can anticipate shifts in wind direction and strength and position your vessel accordingly. Anchoring in a sheltered position or bay, for example, can minimise the risk of dragging caused by wind.
Tides: Understanding the tides is equally important. As water levels rise and fall, your vessel’s position will change. If the tide comes in and the vessel is anchored too close to shore (always follow your company’s navigation policy), it might drift or even run aground. Knowing when high and low tides will occur enables you to set a good scope and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Currents: In certain areas, strong currents can make your vessel shift position despite your anchor’s best efforts. The forecast can help you understand how strong these currents might be and whether they will affect your vessel’s position. If needed, you can take extra precautions, such as letting out more anchor chain or adjusting your anchor placement. Having a solid understanding of these environmental factors sets you up for a much safer anchoring experience. However the work doesn’t end there; it’s just the beginning.
Eyes on the horizon
Once the anchor is down, it is time to keep a careful watch. Technology is great, but there is still no substitute for your own eyes when it comes to monitoring your vessel’s position.
Check anchor position: A simple way to keep track of your ship’s position is by looking at the surrounding landmarks or other vessels. If you’ve anchored in a bay, for example, pick a few distinct landmarks on the shore that you can use to check if you’re drifting. If they start to move, you know it is time to take action. The electronic bearing line (EBL) and variable range marker (VRM) on the radar are a great help here; pick a couple of landmarks and place the lines.
Watch the weather: Weather can change rapidly, especially when you are on the water. If the wind picks up or dark clouds start rolling in, it is time to reevaluate. By keeping an eye on the weather, you can anticipate problems before they become too serious. Remember, when you are in doubt, call the Master! Don’t wait and lose valuable time.
Other vessels: If you’re anchoring in a busy area, it is important to keep track of nearby vessels. If another vessel starts dragging its anchor or gets too close to you, it could pose a danger. A good anchor watch is not just about sitting on the bridge and hoping for the best. It is about being present, aware and always ready to notice if something changes.
Smart tools and technology
Modern electronics can make your anchor watch easier and more reliable. Using tools that are designed to keep track of your position means that you no longer have to do all the heavy lifting. While they are useful, however, they shouldn’t replace your own awareness. The best anchor watch is always a combination of technology and human vigilance.
Anchor watch systems: Many vessels come equipped with anchor watch systems that track your position using GPS. These systems set up an invisible ‘boundary’ around the anchor. If your vessel moves beyond that boundary, the system sounds an alarm. This gives you peace of mind, especially when you are busy with other tasks on board.
"A good anchor watch is not just about sitting on the bridge and hoping for the best. It is about being present, aware and always ready to notice if something changes."
Automatic Identification System (AIS): AIS can help you keep track of other vessels in busy waters. It allows you to know the positions of nearby vessels, even if they are out of sight. It is especially helpful in crowded anchorages where the risk of other vessels dragging anchor is higher. Knowing where other vessels are anchored can help you avoid collisions.
Orders and communications
The Master should make sure that everyone on board knows what to do in case things go wrong (pay attention to SMS emergency procedures and checklists). If the vessel starts drifting, the officer on watch should know exactly who to call and what information to provide. Having procedures in place makes sure everyone stays calm and effective when problems arise.
Emergency procedures
Even with all the right planning and systems in place, things can still go wrong. A good anchor watch is not just about monitoring your vessel. It is also about being ready to react when needed.
Deploying a second anchor: If your primary anchor isn’t holding, deploying a second anchor is a quick and effective way to prevent your vessel from drifting too far. This can buy you time while you assess the situation or take additional action (this can be tricky and only experienced Masters should perform this action).
Standby engines: If things are getting critical, having the engines on standby can help you regain control of the vessel. While you may not want to start the engines unless necessary, keeping them ready to go gives you another tool for managing an anchor failure.
Adding extra anchor chain: If the wind picks up or the current becomes stronger than expected, adding extra anchor chain can increase the holding power of your anchor, even under tougher conditions.
Raising the anchor: If the anchor is dragging and none of the methods above work, you may need to raise the anchor and reposition the vessel to a better holding ground. While this can be a more involved process, sometimes it is the only way to keep the vessel safe.
Alerting other vessels: If you are in danger of drifting, it is important to alert nearby vessels. Use your radio or visual signals to communicate with others and help avoid collisions and prevent further trouble.
A balanced approach for peace of mind
A good anchor watch is about more than just staying awake while your vessel is anchored. It is about staying alert, prepared and ready to act if anything goes wrong. By adopting a good approach to anchoring, you can enjoy your time at anchor with peace of mind, knowing that your vessel is safe and secure. After all, a good anchor watch is not just about keeping your vessel in place; it is also about making sure everyone on board can rest easy, knowing they are in safe hands.