Section: DP-001
Date of Issue: 01-07-2013
Fleet Management BRIDGE & DECK Issue No.: 1
Department PROCEDURES Revision No.: 3
Page: 1 of 3
1.0 ANCHORING
Anchoring is to be carried out with three properly trained personnel in
attendance. These shall be a Certificated Deck Officer, the Bosun/CPO and
one Rating. They shall all be properly dressed in boiler suits, safety helmets,
safety boots, gloves and goggles. Winter clothing to be worn if required.
At all times, the windlass controls must only be operated by a properly trained
personnel and signals given by the Certificated Deck Officer in charge of the
anchoring operation.
1.1 Preparation
• Establish and verify communications with Bridge
• By walkie talkie.
• By talkback or telephone system.
• Check power supply is available
• Inform Engine Control Room.
• Check main Forecastle breaker.
• Visually check the windlass/winches, brakes, stoppers and controls.
• Check the windlass brake is in FULL ON position.
• Remove all "at sea" lashings, cement plugs, canvas or steel covers.
• Start both windlasses and run in both directions. Check cooling water is
supplied on systems requiring this.
• Put required anchor windlass into gear and take the weight of the anchor.
• Slack the brake and when sure the windlass is holding the weight of the
anchor, release all other remaining securing devices (bar stop or claws).
• Walk back anchor to above water line or as per Master instructed.
• Secure the windlass brake and take windlass out of gear.
• Inform the Bridge that the anchor is ready and confirm the amount (or
scope) of cable that is to be used.
• Prepare the anchor ball for use and check the other anchor is cleared away,
ready for use in emergency.
Section: DP-001
Date of Issue: 01-07-2002
Fleet Management BRIDGE & DECK Issue No.: 1
Department PROCEDURES Revision No.: 0
Page: 2 of 3
1.2 Approaching The Anchorage
If the Bow Thruster is to be used the Deck Officer, forward, shall keep a visual
watch for debris or other floating objects over the bow.
1.3 Letting Go The Anchor
• On command from the Bridge, anchor in the usual manner, keeping the
Bridge constantly informed of the scope and lead of the anchor cable.
• Check that the correct signals are displayed by night and day.
• When anchoring is completed check the vessel is fully brought up to the
anchor and secure.
1.4 At Anchor
• Check correct signals are displayed at all times.
• A visual check shall be made frequently of windlass, securing device, and
lead of the anchor cable.
1.5 Heaving Anchor
• Establish and verify communications with Bridge
• By walkie talkie.
• By talkback or telephone system.
• Check power supply is available
• Inform Engine Control Room.
• Check main Forecastle breaker.
• Visually check the windlass/winches, brakes, stoppers and controls.
• Start windlass and run in both directions, check cooling water if required.
• Engage gear and loosen the brake. Inform Bridge that the anchor is ready
to heave.
• On command from the Bridge, heave anchor in the usual manner, keeping
the Bridge constantly informed of the scope and lead of the cable, and
when the anchor is aweigh.
• Ensure anchor signal lowered.
• Once the Anchor is clear of the water and is sighted as clear, inform the
Bridge and stow the anchor in the usual manner.
Section: DP-001
Date of Issue: 01-07-2002
Fleet Management BRIDGE & DECK Issue No.: 1
Department PROCEDURES Revision No.: 0
Page: 3 of 3
1.6 Anchor Stowed
• Ensure that both anchors are fully lashed for the forthcoming voyage.
• Shut-down all equipment and secure all openings/hatches etc.
• Upon return to accommodation the Deck Officer shall inform the Bridge
that the forecastle is clear and secure.
1.7 Anchor/Cable Fouling
If during the heaving operation the cable or anchor are seen to be fouled, the
following procedures 1.7.1 and 1.7.2 shall be followed.
1.7.1 By The Forward Team
• Cease heaving immediately and inform the Bridge.
• Try to ascertain how the cable or anchor is fouled and what is the
fouling item.
• After consultation with the Bridge take steps to free the fouling
item.
1.7.2 By The Bridge Team
• Note the time in the Bridge Bell Book that the report is received.
• As accurately as possible plot the vessels position. Inspect the
charts on the best scale available and check on the seabed
topography if any possible obstruction could exist.
• Ensure the correct signals are hoisted.
• Closely monitor the vessels position in relation to other vessels and
the surrounding dangers to navigation.
• Follow the Bridge Procedures Manual sections for watch keeping at
anchor and at sea.
• Record all times and details of the freeing operation and enter into
same into the Bridge Bell Book and Deck Log Book.
• Report incident to NSS FMD OOCL HKG.