CHAIN LOCKER

The chain locker is a compartment within the bow of a vessel for the storage of the
vessels anchor chains. The top of the chain locker will be open to level of the windlass through a
pipe known as a spurling pipe. Chain lockers are generally fitted with a perforated flat bottom,
the space below known as a mud box and connected to the bilge system. The bottom on the chain
locker will also be fitted with a bitter end for the anchor rode, the attachment point for the end of
the anchor chain.

Construction

Chain lockers are tall, narrow compartments. This promotes an even stacking of incoming chain,
and prevents shifting during ship motions. Structure is kept to the outside of the compartment. In
the case of the port and starboard chain lockers being adjacent, a longitudinal bulkhead is still
fitted; however, for stiffening, half-round profiles are used (which do not snag). The centerine
bulkhead that separates the 2 anchor rodes shall be fitted with foothold cutouts to allow for
inspection and cleaning of the space.