Here is a simple guideline for anchoring ships.
Test the steering and main engine in safe waters, well in advance of the approaches to the anchorage area.
Carefully assess the direction and strength of tide, currents and wind before planning the final approach to the anchor position.
The vessel’s speed over the ground must be less than 0.3 knots astern when the anchor cable is being paid out.
Vessels anchoring in depths less than 50 meters should:
Lower the anchor 4-6 meters above the seabed before letting go.
Ships greater than 50,000 DWT must in general lower the anchor under power.
In depths greater than 50 meters, all ships should lower anchor under power only.
The Length of cable paid out should be at least 6 times the depth or the maximum available allowing for a shackle in the chain locker.
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Vessels must not anchor in depths greater than 100 meters, except in an emergency. Do remember that the anchor windlass is typically designed to be capable of weighing the anchor.
| Vessel Type | Critical Wind Velocity (meters/sec) | Critical Wind Velocity (knots) | Beaufort Scale Force |
| PCC / Container ships (High Windage) | Ave 10 m/s | 20 knots | Force 5 |
| Others ship types | Ave 15-20 m/s | 30-40 knots | Force 7/8 |
I hope you find this simple guideline for anchoring ships useful and put it into practice whenever practical.
What is anchoring in sailing?
The anchor keeps the ship in place by sinking its flukes into the bottom, rather of simply sitting there like a weight on the bottom.
What are the different methods for anchoring ships?
Anchoring strategies include taking into account the direction and strength of the wind, current, and tidal stream. A good local knowledge may often assist a mariner in determining the necessary motions and measures to be done while anchoring.
Why do we anchor ships?
Anchors are used to keep a vessel in place by combating wind and currents that seek to take the vessel off course. Anchors can be temporary, such as those used by boats and ships in shallow water, or permanent, such as those used on oil rigs.
Anchoring strategies include taking into account the direction and strength of the wind, current, and tidal stream. A good local knowledge may often assist a mariner in determining the necessary motions and measures to be done while anchoring.
Anchors are used to keep a vessel in place by combating wind and currents that seek to take the vessel off course. Anchors can be temporary, such as those used by boats and ships in shallow water, or permanent, such as those used on oil rigs.
