IF DRAGGING ANCHOR IS DETECTED


In the event of a detected dragging anchor, or if other ships in the vicinity start dragging anchor, the officer of the watch should:


• Immediately report it to the master • Contact the engine room or duty engineer to make the main engine, and any other required machinery ready


• Advise the designated anchor party to prepare the windlass and stand by


• Ensure the bridge is manned as required (helmsman and lookout)


• If applicable, advise other ships in the anchorage and the harbour authority. If pilotage is mandatory, it may add further complexity in case the ship needs to depart or re anchor.


The above steps should be a part of the established procedure. The level of readiness of both the main engine and the anchor party should be explicitly set by the master in advance, in proportion to the likelihood of dragging, and in consideration of the proximity of other ships and navigational hazards. The SMS should assist the master in this regard by providing clear guidance on the level of readiness and the manning/crew resources that need to be allocated.


MEASURES AGAINST


DRAGGING ANCHOR There are two main courses of action against dragging anchor (which may be used concurrently):


• Pay out more chain to improve the holding power by increasing the contact length remaining on the seabed


• Use the main engine to decrease the load on the anchor and/or stabilise the ship to suppress yaw and sway.


The extension of the chain scope by paying out more links may have limits; this limitation could apply to congested anchorages (due to space restriction) or anchorages with relatively deep water (as it might require more chain than is available).


It may also be possible to use a configuration of two anchors to increase the holding power (in a two anchor mooring configuration, riding on two anchors or with the other anchor as a snubber), however each of these scenarios may carry further risks which should be subject to a careful assessment.


It may ultimately become necessary to heave up and re- anchor, or to depart from the anchorage


altogether. The urgency may be further increased by the proximity of hazards or underwater installations. Dragging the anchor over a cable or pipeline may result in further hazards to the crew and the ship, as well as an extensive damage to property.


90 | ISSUE 107 | MAR 2024 | THE REPORT


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