Anchoring text 1.

The anchor is a large and heavy instrument that is used to hold vessels in one position and prevent them from drifting. Anchors are used by ships when anchoring at an anchorage to wait for an available berth or available cargo, when anchoring in a roadstead for bunkering¹ or lightering² operations, when maneuvering without a tug or a bow thruster in confined waters and when a ship has to be stopped in emergency situations like an engine or rudder failure.

Anchorages are places where ships can safely lie at anchor. A good anchorage provides good holding ground, shelter from winds and a depth of 20 to 30 meters. Additional points of interest when choosing an anchor position are the presence of shipping traffic lanes³, submarine cables, pipelines and other obstructions on and in the seabed, the available swinging room with regard to the other ships at the anchorage and the presence of conspicuous objects to take bearings from.

An anchor is heaved up and lowered by means of a windlass (bower anchor(s)) or an anchor winch (stern anchor(s)). Except of the windlass, the anchor gear consists of the anchor cable, the cable stoppers, the cable lashings and the bitter end link of the cable, that can be disconnected to release the anchor and the anchor cable in case of emergency. The anchor cable linked to the bower anchor is usually a chain, consisting of studded links and divided into lengths that are called shackles, as these are connected by shackles. Each shackle measures 1-5 fathoms and is marked. The anchor chain leads from the anchor through the hawse pipe, over the chain stopper, over the gypsy wheel, through the spurling pipe into the chain locker.

There are three teams involved in bringing the ship to anchor, a team on the bridge, responsible for the safe navigation and ship handling, a team in the engine room, responsible for running the engine in maneuvering mode and generating enough power to operate the windlass and any thruster units to be used and a team on the forecastle, responsible for checking, preparing and operating the windlass, for removing and applying any lashings and stoppers, for casting the anchor and retrieving it, as well as checking the condition of the anchor and the anchor cable and reporting on that. The bridge team commands how many shackles have to be paid out and coordinates communication. Usually, the forward team communicates with the bridge using VHF handsets.

When all preparations have been made and the ship has reached the intended anchor position, the ship's headway is run off with the ship's head into the wind or stemming the current. The ship is usually given a little sternway and after that the order is given to let go the anchor. On the forecastle the band brake is released and enough cable is paid out for the anchor to bite. The remaining shackles are paid out gradually or walked out by windlass, in order to prevent the cable from running out too fast.

When the required amount of shackles is in the water, the band brake is secured. Hereupon, the forecastle team will report how the chain is leading and growing and whether there are any signs of dragging. After the commanding officer on the forecastle has assured that the anchor is holding, the anchor ball can be hoisted and anchor bearings and soundings can be taken.

Once the ship has been anchored, anchor watches are to be maintained. During an anchor watch the Officer of the Watch (OOW) should:

1. determine and plot the ship's position on the appropriate chart as soon as practicable and, at sufficiently frequent intervals, check, by taking bearings to fixed navigational marks or readily identifiable shore objects, whether the anchor is holding;

2. ensure that an efficient lookout⁴ is maintained;

3. ensure that an inspection of the vessel is made periodically;

4. observe weather, tidal and sea conditions;

5. notify the Master and undertake all necessary measures if the vessel drags;

6. ensure that the state of readiness of the main engines and other machinery is in accordance with the Master's instructions;

7. notify the Master if visibility deteriorates and comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea;

8. ensure that the vessel exhibits the appropriate lights and shapes⁵ and that appropriate sound signals are made at all times:

9. keep a constant listening watch⁶ on appropriate VHP radio channels.

When the OOW has received a notice to prepare the ship for getting underway, he contacts the master, the engineer on duty and the boatswain. While the engine is being prepared and the forecastle team is mustering on deck, the bridge team prepares for leaving the anchorage area and boarding a pilot in case the ship is inward bound. Once the ship is ready for maneuvering and the forecastle team stand­by for heaving up anchor, the master gives the order to heave up anchor. Then, the gypsy wheel is engaged, the band brake is released and the water spray installation is activated to clean the anchor chain. While the responsible officer on the forecastle is checking how the chain is leading, the boatswain is operating the windlass. Usually, it is reported to the bridge how many shackles are left in the water and how the chain is leading. It is also important to report the observations of the anchor being aweigh, the anchor being fouled and the anchor being home and secured. When preparing for sea, the chain stopper and the chain lashings are applied and both the hawse pipe and the spurling pipe are closed.

Notes:

1. Bunkering – the act or process of supplying a ship with fuel.

2. Lightering is the process of transferring cargo between vessels of different sizes, usually between a barge and a bulker or oil tanker. Lightering is undertaken to reduce a vessel’s draft in order to enter port facilities which cannot accept very large ocean going vessels.

3. Traffic lane – полоса движения.

4. Lookout or look-out – 1) a person on a ship, who is in charge of the observation of the sea for the hazards, other ships, land etc. Lookouts should be familiar with the various types of distress signals they may encounter at sea.

2) the process of the observation of the sea for the hazards, other ships, land etc.

5. Shape - фигура.

6. Listening watch – a watch established for the reception of the traffic of interest to the unit maintaining the watch

Exercise 8. Answer the following questions

1. When do ships require anchoring?

2. What is an anchorage?

3. What are the signs of a good anchorage?

4. What areas are not suitable for an anchorage?

5. What elements does an anchor gear consist of?

6. What is an anchor chain divided into?

7. How does the anchor chain lead?

8. How many teams are involved in bringing the ship to anchor? What are their duties?

9. When is the ship’s headway run off?

10. What should the ship’s position relating to the wind and current be?

11. What is done in order to prevent the cable from running too fast?

12. What is the procedure of letting the anchor go?

13. How is the ship’s position checked when the ship is lying at anchor?

14. What for is it checked at sufficiently frequent intervals?

15. When must the Master be notified?

16. What lights and shapes are exhibited when the ship is lying at anchor?

17. What is the procedure of heaving up the anchor?

Exercise 9. Put the following commands and communication phrases in correct order.

Preparing for anchoring

1. We will be at the anchorage in 30 minutes from now.

2. This is a communication check. How do you read me over.

3. Prepare the engine for manoeuvring.

4. Switch on the windlass.

5. Prepare the windlass.

6. Prepare for anchoring

7. Remove the bucklers / stoppers / lashings of both anchors.

Preparing the anchor

8. We will use the starboard anchor.

9. Apply the brake.

10. Engage the gypsy wheel / Put the gypsy in gear (professionalism).

11. Release the brake.

12. Check the brake.

13. Pump out the anchor.

14. Disengage the gypsy wheel.

15. Prepare the anchor for letting go. Lower the anchor.

16. The anchor is ready to let go.

Dropping the anchor

17. We are in position.

18. There is no weight on the cable. (SMCP) / Now, the cable becomes slack. The anchor is holding.

19. Let go.

20. There are 2 shackles in the water now.

21. The cable is leading ahead.

22. Stop.

23. Secure the brake and apply the stopper.

24. Pay out another 3 shackles. Report every shackle.

25. 3 shackles in the water. Cable leading abeam.

26. There is medium weight on the cable. (SMCP) / The cable is tight.

27. Drop the anchor, run out 2 shackles and then report.

28. 4 shackles in the water. Cable leading two points to starboard.

29. How is the chain leading ?

30. 5 shackles in the water. Cable leading ahead.

31. Secure everything and report how the cable is growing.

32. Ease the chain.

Preparing the Anchor Watch

33. Hoist the anchor ball.

34. Take bearings and soundings.

35. Put the GPS into anchor mode with a guard ring of 3 cables.

36. Change the navigation status in the AIS.

37. Report to port control on VHF Ch. 11.

38. Enter the position into the log book.

39. Good watch. Call me immediately if there are any signs of dragging.

Text 2. Choosing a suitable anchorage. Read the information from the Pilot Book and fulfill the exercises given below: "Ria de Vigo":

Anchorages 4.174

General remarks. The whole inlet offers good anchorage to all classes of vessel in depths of 10 to 40 m, sand and mud.

Outer anchorage lies E of Islas Cies (4.159) centred on position 42°13'N 8°53'W. This anchorage may be used by any vessel but must be used by vessels carrying dangerous or polluting goods in bulk and those vessels carrying any quantity of IMDG Class 1 and Class 2 cargoes.

Permission to use the anchorage must be obtained from VTS (4.172) and any conditions imposed must be complied with. This may include the taking of pilot services.

Inner anchorage lies to the N of Vigo, centred on 42°15'.3N 8°44'.l W. This anchorage may be used by any vessel but must be used by vessels with part loads of dangerous or polluting goods other than those required to use the outer anchorage. Vessels carrying radio-active material will be subject to special requirements. Permission to use the anchorage must be obtained from VTS (4.172).

Cautions. A submarine water pipeline, as shown on the chart, is laid across the inlet from a point on the S shore 1 ¼ cables SSW of La Gufa Light to the breakwater at Punta de El Con (1 ¾ miles WNW). Strong NW winds raise a steep sea.

Minor anchorages on the North side of the inlet Ensenada de Barra (42°15'5N 8°50'5W) entered between Punta Subrido (4.186) and Punta Corbeiro dos Castros (l ½ miles E) provides anchorage sheltered from N winds in depths of between 10 and 20 m. The W side of the bay is steep and rocky but at the head of the bay is a sandy beach interrupted by several small rocky points rising to high land. An old factory building, with a ruined wharf, stands midway along the W side of the bay.

204. Ensenada de Cangas (42°15'5N 8°46'5W)

Anchorage may be obtained in depths of 10 to 12 m, mud, in the centre of the bay SE of Cangas.

Exercise 10: Comment on the 5 indicated anchorages on : the nature of the holding ground, swinging room, shelter from wind and swell, available depths and the presence of dangers.

Model(s):

The depths at the Inner anchorage are more suitable than the depths at the Outer anchorage.

The holding ground at the Outer anchorage is better than the holding ground at the Isla del Faro anchorage.

The Isla del Faro anchorage doesn't afford enough swinging room for large ships, like ours.

I prefer the Ensenada de Barra anchorage to the Outer anchorage, because it is better sheltered from winds.

I don't like the Ensenada de Cangas anchorage, because there are dangerous shoals situated at its entrance.

I object to the Inner anchorage, as we have containers with IMDG class 2.3 cargo on board.

No.	Anchorage	Depth	Holding ground	Shelter	Other details
1	Outer	30-35m	Mud	W - winds	Dangerous Cargo in Bulk IMDG Class 1 & 2, VTS-controlled
2	Isla del Faro	6-15m	Stones & Shingle	W- and N- winds	No Dangerous Cargo
3	Ensenada de Barra	10-20m	Sand	W-,N- and E-winds	No Dangerous Cargo
4	Ensenada de Cangas	10-1 2m	Mud	W-, N- and S-winds	No Dangerous Cargo
5	Inner	17-23m	Mud	N- and S-winds	Dangerous Cargo other than IMDG Class 1 & 2, VTS -controlled

Exercise 11 : Allocate one of the 5 indicated anchorages in the inlet to the following 5 ships and motivate your choice, taking into account the weather forecast for the area.

Type of vessel	Destination	Max. Draught	Cargo	Anchoring
Coaster	Amsterdam	5.2m	Timber (logs)	to avoid bad weather
Container Carrier	Southampton	9.5m	Containers	to carry out urgent maintenance
Car Carrier	Vigo	7.2m	Cars	to wait for an available berth
General Cargo	Vigo	6.5 m	Ballast Condition	to wait for an available berth
Tanker 40.000 DWT	Vigo	8.6m	Ballast Condition	To wait one night before dry-docking

Area forecast:

Gale warning: Fitzroy: wind - NW 8 becoming NW 9 in South, later backing W, sea - rough or very rough, weather - showers, visibility - moderate occasionally poor.

Speak according to the model:

If I were the master of the Tanker, I would choose the Inner anchorage, because it is situated closer to the port.

It is better for the Coaster to drop anchor at the Ensenada de Cangas anchorage, because it is the most sheltered anchorage.

The Container Carrier should drop anchor at the Outer anchorage, because the holding ground is better there.

Given the fact that bad weather is expected, all ships should avoid the Outer anchorage.

Exercise 12 : Talk about changing conditions and their consequences, using conditionals & modal verbs. Speak according to the model.

If the swell in the offing becomes too high, we may have to anchor further into the bight. If the wind is backing, we can expect some swell entering through the "Freu de la Porta" strait. If the wind increases, we should veer the anchor chain another 2 shackles. If we start dragging anchor, we must immediately start the engine. When the visibility deteriorates, we must sound the fog signals.

Exercise 13. Learn the standard phrases of the SMCP

АII/3.5 Постановка на якорь, съемка с якоря .1 Постановка на якорь .1 Левый якорь/правый якорь/оба якоря к отдаче изготовить. .2 Приспустить якорь(-я). .3 Мы следуем на якорное место. .4 Мы будем отдавать левый/правый/оба якоря. .5 ... смычек в воду/на клюз/на палубу. .6 Подобрать левый/правый/оба якоря на одну/пол­торы смычку(-и). .7 Мы отдадим левый/правый/оба якоря на ... смычку(-и) и протащим его/их по грунту. .8 Отдать левый/правый/оба якоря. .9 Травить якорь-цепь(-и). .1 Задержать якорь-цепь(-и). .2 Стоп травить левую/правую/обе якорь-цепи. 10 Куда смотрит якорь-цепь? .1 Якорь-цепь ~ смотрит вперед/назад. ~ смотрит влево/вправо. ~ огибает штевень. ~ панер. .11 Как натянута якорь-цепь? .1 Цепь слаба/туга/натягивается. .12 Держит (держат) ли якорь(-я)? .1 Да, якорь(-я) держит(-ат). .2 Нет, якорь(-я) не держит(-ат). .13 Судно вышло на якорь? .1 Да, судно вышло на якорь в точке. .2 Нет, судно (еще) не вышло на якорь. .14 Включить якорный(-ные) огонь (огни). .15 Поднять якорный шар. .16 Проверьте место судна по пеленгам/по ... . .1 Точка якорной стоянки судна: пеленг на ... (названые ориентира) ... градусов, расстояние ... километров/морских миль. .2 Проверяйте положение судна каждые ... минут. Съемка с якоря .1 Сколько вытравлено якорной цепи? .1 На клюзе ... смычка(-чек). .2 Приготовиться к съемке с якоря. .3 Сообщить брашпиль. .1 Брашпиль сообщен. .4 Куда смотрит якорь-цепь? .1 Якорь-цепь ~ смотрит вперед/назад. ~ смотрит влево/вправо. ~ огибает штевень. ~ панер. .5 Выбирать левую/правую якорь-цепь/обе цепи. .6 Какова нагрузка на якорь-цепь? .1 Нагрузка на якорную цепь большая/слиш­ком велика. .2 Нет нагрузки на якорь-цепь. .7 Стоп выбирать якорь-цепь. .8 Сколько смычек осталось (выбрать)? .1 ... смычек осталось (выбрать). .9 Внимание! Якорная(-ные) цепь(-и) перекруче-на(-ы) .10 Якорь(-я) встал(-и). .1 Якорь-цепи чисты. .11 Якорь(-я) вышел(-шли) из воды/на месте/не чист (-ы) /закреплен(-ы).

AII/3.5 Anchoring .1 Going to anchor .1 Stand by port/starboard/both anchor(s) for letting go. .2 Walk out the anchor(s) .3 We are going to anchorage. .4 We will let go port/starboard/both anchor(s). .5 Put ... shackles in the water/in the pipe/on deck. .6 Walk back port/starboard/both anchor(s) one/one and a half shackle(s). .7 We will let go port/starboard/both anchor(s) ... shackle(s) and dredge it/them. .8 Let go port/starboard/both anchor(s). .9 Slack out the cable(s). .1 Check the cable(s). .2 Hold on the port/the starboard/both cable(s). 10 How is the cable leading? .1 The cable is leading - ahead/astern. - to port/to starboard. - round the bow. - up and down. .11 How is the cable growing? .1 The cable is slack/tight/coming tight. .12 Is/are the anchor(s) holding? .1 Yes, the anchor(s) is/are holding. .2 No, the anchor(s) is/are not holding. .13 Is she brought up? .1 Yes, she is brought up in position ... .2 No, she is not brought up (yet). .14 Switch on the anchor light(s). .15 Hoist the anchor ball. .16 Check the anchor position by bearings/by ... . .1 The anchor position is bearing ... degrees, dis­tance ... kilometres/nautical miles to ... . .2 Check the anchor position every ... minutes. Leaving the anchorage .1 How much cable is out? .1 ... shackle(s) is/are out. .2 Stand by for heaving up. .3 Put the windlass in gear. .1 The windlass is in gear. .4 How is the cable leading? .1 The cable is leading ~ ahead/astern. ~ to port/to starboard ~ round the bow ~ up and down. .5 Heave up port/starboard/both cable(s). .6 How much weight is on the cable? .1 Much/too much weight is on the cable. .2 No weight is on the cable. .7 Stop heaving. .8 How many shackles are left (to come in)? .1 ... shackles are left (to come in). .9 Attention! Turn in cable(s). .10 The anchor(s) is/are aweigh. .1 The cables are clear. .11 The anchor(s) is/are clear of the water/home/ foul/secured.

Exercise 14 Listen to the audio samples and choose the right word

We have to anchor offshore / in the roadstead / at the anchorage.

Heaving / Letting go / Droppingthe anchor.

Bridge to forward, let go port / stern / starboard anchor.

Keep the brake / stopper / clutch open.

We have commenced paying / walking / veering the starboard anchor out.

2 shots in the hawse pipe / in the water / on deck.

Anchor is up and down /in the hawse pipe / at the water edge.

We have a moderate strain / weight / length.

Go ahead and prepare / secure / release everything up there.

Turning / Swing / Operationalradius.

Prepare the engine / windlass / forecastle team and heave up anchor.

Study the checklist and fulfill the exercises given below.