ANCHOR LOSS - SAVE IT BEFORE IT DROPS

Cadet Kumari Ekta, B.Tech. Marine Engineering (1st Year), Indian Maritime University (Erstwhile DMET/MERI)

Anchor and the anchoring mechanisms and procedures are crucial elements in securing safe operation of the ship. The damage and claim statistics show a high damage ratio because of loss of the anchor, which has also been increasing in recent years. Incidence investigation shows that most of these cases can be avoided by proper inspection, maintenance and improved operational procedures and awareness of limitations of anchoring systems.

Technical issues account for a significant portion of the anchor losses and can roughly be divided into five principal components. The most critical detail is when the Dshackle connecting the anchor to the chain is not properly secured, problems of chain stoppers and tensioning devices, etc.

Many seafarers consider safe anchoring to be a challenging exercise as about 50% of anchor losses are related to faulty operations. Planning to anchor the vessel is a vital part of good seamanship. This includes an evaluation of traffic and the congestion in the area and finding out if there are pipelines or cables close to the anchorage. The water depth is also a crucial factor.

The weather must be closely monitored with the forecast being noted properly. The Master as per the situation should clearly define the criteria for when the anchoring needs to be aborted. Lack of proper 555 attention and awareness has proven to be one of the main reasons for loss of anchors.

The nature of the seabed has a significant effect on the anchors. The best holding power is provided by clay, but this can have a sucking effect. Also, shingle and sand may provide good holding power. Pebbles and soft mud have low holding power and anchors in such grounds may drag slowly, making it difficult to identify. Anchoring is not recommended on shale or rocky bottoms or on slopes where the anchor may become wedged in a large crack or get lodged in large fissures. If the engine or essential equipment is demobilized for overhauls or repairs, proper risk assessment related to reactivation time is important.

Mitigation in the number of accidents and risk factors is the paramount need for the industry at the moment, something which can be achieved with an open-minded, quick and careful handling of machinery and equipment as per the guidelines.