Anchoring and Mooring Operations Flashcards

When anchoring a vessel, the general rule for determining how much chain (scope) to pay out in calm weather is:

Answer: 5 to 7 times the depth of water

A scope of 5 to 7 times the water depth is standard for calm conditions, providing adequate catenary to absorb shock loads.

What is the purpose of the 'bitter end' of an anchor chain?

Answer: It is the end of the chain secured to the vessel's chain locker

The bitter end is the inboard end of the anchor chain that is secured to the ship's structure inside the chain locker.

When veering anchor chain, what does the term 'veering' mean?

Answer: Letting the anchor chain run out

Veering means paying out or letting the anchor chain run out through the hawsepipe.

A 'Mediterranean moor' is a procedure where the vessel:

Answer: Drops anchor forward and backs stern to a pier or quay

A Mediterranean moor involves anchoring with the bower anchor and backing the stern to a berth, commonly used in ports with limited space.

Which part of an anchor provides the primary holding power by digging into the seabed?

Answer: Flukes

The flukes are the flat, blade-like parts of an anchor that penetrate and grip the seabed to hold the vessel.

When a vessel is described as 'dragging anchor,' it means the anchor is:

Answer: Failing to hold and sliding along the bottom

Dragging anchor means the anchor is not holding; it is sliding along the seabed and the vessel is moving unintentionally.

What is the function of an anchor windlass?

Answer: It is the mechanical device used to heave in or veer anchor chain

The windlass is a deck machinery device with a chain lifter (wildcat/gypsy) used to heave in or pay out anchor chain.