Experience and seamanship to the fore when anchoring

David Nichol, at UK P&I, examines the potential impact of anchoring-related incidents, why they happen and what loss prevention measures may be implemented to prevent their occurrence.

The vast majority of ships are equipped with anchors and anchoring machinery that, apart from customary anchoring requirements, may also be used for manoeuvring or remain deployed if the ship is moored stern-to a berth or at an offshore terminal. The anchors may also be dropped to arrest the movement of a ship in emergency situations where control is lost due to poor manoeuvring or unexpected loss of propulsion, making them critical equipment.