Anchoring

The process of securing a vessel to the seabed using an anchor and chain or rope. This is typically done to hold a vessel stationary, such as in a harbor or during inclement weather.

Key Terms Related to Anchoring:

• Anchor: A heavy, usually metal object attached to a chain or rope, designed to grip the seabed and hold a vessel in place.
• Anchor Chain: A heavy chain connecting the anchor to the vessel.
• Anchor Cable: A rope or chain connecting the anchor to the vessel.
• Anchorage: A designated area for vessels to anchor.
• Anchoring Gear: The equipment used for anchoring, including the anchor, chain, and windlass.
• Windlass: A machine used to raise and lower the anchor and chain.
• Hawsepipe: A pipe through the ship's side through which the anchor chain passes.
• Anchor Aweigh: The anchor is lifted off the seabed.
• Anchor at Short Stay: The anchor is deployed with a relatively short length of chain or rope.
• Anchor at Long Stay: The anchor is deployed with a longer length of chain or rope.
• Dropping Anchor: The process of lowering the anchor into the water.
• Heaving Up Anchor: The process of raising the anchor from the seabed.
• Anchoring Plan: A plan showing the intended anchoring position and the amount of chain or rope to be deployed.