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5.0K
o SHARES j 5.0K s 5 f 2 h 6
A merchant vessel is said to be having a dragging anchor when the vessel drifts without holding
power inspite of being anchored. Dragging anchor has been the reason for several accidents such
as collision, grounding, or stranding.
The main reason for a vessel dragging its anchor is because of rough weather conditions. In such
situations, it is extremely important for seafarers to collect all necessary information to familiarise
with the situation and prevent dragging of anchor as much as possible. Some important
parameters that needs to be considered are:
At most ports, it is inevitable for a vessel to wait at anchorage and the time at anchorage canbe for
days or even weeks. During such times,the master and ship crew should identify possible dangers
to the ship and make all the necessary preparations.
A vessel dragging anchor is a threat to its own and also to other vessels in the vicinity, often
leading to an emergency situation such as collision, grounding or stranding, depending on the
manoeuvrable condition of the ship.
In such situations,aA quick assessment of the situation can only be achieved by a vigilant bridge
watch, contingency plan to tackle any emergency, quick response and good judgment of the
situation. It may take some time to weigh the anchor and restore the vessel to its full manoeuvrable
condition, but no serious accident should happen if there is enough sea room and time to do so.
Take on heavy weather ballast, taking in to account the stability of the vessel and depth of
water below the keel
Pay out more anchor cable depending on the size of the vessel and weather condition
Keep a safe distance from other anchored ships, shoals and other dangers, leaving room
for manoeuvring
Weigh anchor and shift the vessel to different position away from the vicinity of other
vessels, provided prior permission is received from VTS of that area, port authorities and
owners orders
Increase the efficiency of the bridge team by adding an extra lookout
Keep the main engines standby for manoeuvrability
Check the ships position at frequent intervals, to confirm if the vessel is outside the
swinging circle. Use all available means, both visual and electronic equipment such as
GPS, RADAR and ECDIS, to make the appraisal of the situation. If the vessel deviates
from the circle, it is likely to be dragging its anchor
The bow cannot stand against the wind
Check anchor chains for slipping, a small pole with a cloth as flag like arrangement can be
tied to the links to understand the slipping of anchor chains
Extra vibration and weight on anchor cable
Check the speed over ground (SOG) when the vessel is swinging, the SOG can increase
variably and this should not be misinterpreted
Check the course recorder for figure of eight motion locus
Also monitor the position and distance of vessels nearby. In case if they are dragging
counter measures to be taken to safe guard own vessel
Master to be informed, do not hesitate to call him at any time of the day, his experience
Most accidents collision or grounding happens while the vessel is at anchor mainly because of no
early prediction of dragging anchor. Time plays a vital role in area of high vessel density and this
time lapse results in difficulty in restoring the manoeuvrability of the vessel. Ensure that
propercontingency plan is set in place to control such incidents and avoid arising of any
emergency due to dragging anchor.
Over to you..
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Comments
i have alot to discuss with you as a prospective seafearer am on lookout for exprience sailors
like you please,,email me
above info is very nice to know, thanks, hope I can get a copy above or some other related
ships topic to my email.good luck.
Very good advice. The bottom line is that once the anchor drags and the weather persists ,
action MUST be taken. Most vessels will be broadside to the wind when dragging. No need to
wonder if you have moved when this happens.
Hye this article is very informativebt how if other vessel ahead of us dragging anchor and
coming closer to my bowboth my vessel at anchor n the other vessel engine is
overhaul,..what action can be take to minimize the impact
Dear Natasha sharma, your question is a realistic situation that many have been confronted
with.
I guess in such a situation, you must start your engines and deliberately drag your anchor
carefully away from the vessel in queation until you are well clear and safe to heave up and re-
anchor.
evinhan says
FEBRUARY 6, 2016 AT 11:57 PM
so,our vessel is totaly black out and like this death vessel. how to take action ?
Yasser M says
FEBRUARY 7, 2016 AT 1:44 AM
on what you depend to decide how many shackels to drop? if on the length of the shipso
what is the equation?
IN ANY EVENT, BEFORE THE WEATHER STARTS TO GET NASTY, PREPARE THE MAIN
ENGINE, LEAVE THE ANCHORAGE AND EITHER
SLOW STEAM OR DRIFT OUT AT SEA. THIS IS
WHAT I USED TO DO !!!
Gayan says
FEBRUARY 7, 2016 AT 3:30 PM
Really tt is a good article. when at anchor its a good practice to switch to RADAR anchoring
function which most of the seafaires dont use. when the guard zons are active it will give us a
early warning of anchor dragging.
am an experince able seaman, with alot of experience,which I have work with a multinational
company, incase of any job vacancies pls inbox me.innocentaso4u@yahoo.com,
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