Anchor, Anchor Works, and Cable

Objectives: After reading this chapter, you should be able to: Identify parts of anchor and cables; Explain how drop and hoist the anchor; Identify the markings of anchor and cables and the measurement of anchor chain; and Enumerate basic principles regarding inspection and maintenance of anchor and chain.

ANCHOR

 An anchor is an object made by

forged iron, in the shape of a hook or harpoon to which the chain is attached. It is dropped into the sea so that it will embed itself on the bottom and prevent the vessel from being dragged by the winds and currents.

ANCHORS

 A key is used to hold the stock in

position when going to anchor. The stock is fitted to make the anchor turn when it hits the bottom and so allows the flukes to bit in. This type of anchor is called admiralty anchor.

The anchor is made up of the following parts:

The ring which is link or shackle which joins the anchor and its chain
The shank which runs from the ring to the

crown The crown which joins the shank to the arms The arms which run from the crown to the palms The flukes whose tips called pea or bill

 The hall anchor, commonly known as

Stockless anchor does not have a stock as the palms rotate with reference to the crown, so that as it is dragged along the bottom, the tripping palms allow the flukes to bite in. he palms turn about forty degrees (40) on each side of the shank.

Chains

Anchors secure a ship using chains which are a succession of cast iron links each joined to the other. A chain is made up of a string of links of cast iron all interconnected. These links with or without studs, this is being a piece (cross pin) running across the center and which serves to keep it from being elongated by the stresses to which the chain is subjected.

Studs also prevent kinks or turns forms from forming in the chain. Chain are manufactured in lengths and termed shackle. The length of shackle is usually 15 fathoms or about 27 meters (90 feet) for every one shackle of cable.

The marking of the chain is affected with some turns of wire seizing on the stud described below:

First Shackle- Wire seizing on the first stud line.

Second Shackle- Two turns of seizing wire on second stud.

Third and so on- Three turns of seizing wire on the third stud, four turns in fourth stud, and so on.

ANCHORING

Anchoring
The operation of letting go the anchor is known

as anchoring. The main items making up the equipment are as follows: Hawse Pipes- Tubes which pass from the deck to the hull plating inside and keep the anchor home in its stowed position. Spurling (Spill) Pipes- Tues leading from the chain locker to the deck and are fitted with cement puddings (plugs) which prevent the seawater entering the chain locker.

The components used when handling anchor are as follows:

Compressor (Riding Chock or Pawls)- Made of moulded iron place on the forecastle deck which secure the chain link by link while it is being heaved in. The purpose is to prevent the chain from escaping if the windlass fails.
Windlass- A machine provided as a means of letting go and heaves up the anchor cable, usually driven by steam or electricity.

 Gypsy (wildcat) is the windlass vital part when

heaving up an anchor and chain. Kicking strap a smaller spur is fitted under gypsy just forward of the spurling pipe. Compressor (bow stopper) also part of the windlass , a device that can e used to hold and to take the strain of the cable of the windlass brake and is placed between the gypsy and the hawse pipe.

ANCHOR HANDLING

Request the engine room for power on the deck. Take to the forecastle head a spike, hammer or crowbar, oilcan, goggles, and at night, a torch. Take off the hawse pipe covers, let go off the lashing in the chain locker. Make sure the windlass is out of gear and that the brakes are on. Turn the windlass over slowly and oil the moving parts (on a steam windlass, the drain cocks must be all opened and the water allowed to drain off before the cocks are closed again)

Put one anchor in gear (see that gears are clear to engaged first). Remove the devils claw and any other lashings, the compressor bar and the cement pudding or other filling from the spurling pipe. Make sure that the weight of the anchor is held by the brake and gears are clear (keep off the gear) Prepare the other anchor using the same routine. Inform the officer concerned that the anchors are ready for lowering clear of the hawse pipe.

 Place one anchor in gear.

When ordered to lower away by the officer,

take off the brake and lower slowly until the anchor is out of the hawse pipe. Screw brake tightly home and take out of gear. Repeat the procedure with the other anchor if required. Return the gear.

LETTING GO OF THE ANCHOR

Wear goggles, let go of the brake as required after the anchor has hit the bottom. One man should strike the bell as the shackles go out: 1 shackle- one bell, 6 shackles- 6 bells, etc. put the compressor bar and screw the brake tightly home when sufficient cable has been paid out. Hoist the anchor ball or anchor lights. Return the gear.

WEIGHING THE ANCHOR

Take to the forecastle head a hammer or crowbar,

hose oil can, and at night, a torch. Couple up the hose, lead it to the hawse pipe and open the deck. Request the engine room for power and water on deck. Make sure the windlass is out of gear and the brakes are on. Turn the windlass over slowly and oil the moving parts (on a steam windlass, the drain cocks must e all opened and the water allowed to drain off before the cocks are closed again) Put the anchor on gear (see to it first that the gears are clear to engage).

 Send a man to the chain locker (with torch if

necessary). Remove the compressor bar and when ordered to do so, take off the brake and commence heaving in the cable. See that the hose is running and have a man to wash the cable as it comes in. inform the man in the chain locker that you are about to heave away. Another man should standby the bell to ring as the shackle comes in.

 When the anchor is heave home, inform the

man in the chain locker. Apply the brake tight and the compressor bar. Erase the gears and take the windlass out of gear. Stop the water, close the cock, and uncouple the hose. Take down the anchor ball or light and ring the bell rapidly when the anchor is away. Return the gear.