Document ID: A044

Actions when unable to heave up anchor 1 Feb 2018

If unable to heave up the anchor, follow below in order of priority:

1.
Identify the problem in cooperation with the Fleet Group.
Consider switching parts from the operational windlass.

Illustrated are some of electrical parts, other than nonworking hydraulic motor, which
may fail.

2.
If repair is not possible, attempt to rig out mooring ropes from an operational winch to
the mooring and warping drums of the defective windlass.
Before attempting to turn, disconnect the hydraulic/electric motor and blank the
relevant hydraulic lines (as applicable) in discussion with Fleet Group.

SME department: Marine Standards – Nautical and Marine Compliance Page 1 of 4

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 Document ID: A044

Actions when unable to heave up anchor 1 Feb 2018

The two mooring drums and the warping drum can be used to engage the windlass
and heave up the gypsy (chain lifter drum) using another mooring winches as
illustrated in the # 1 diagram given on next page.

Below are two different mooring arrangements where the port windlass is not
working. The coloured mooring lines from other winches are configured, to provide
turning moment to the defective windlass enabling to heave the anchor chain.

NOTE: The windlass pull may be increased by running mooring lines from more than one
winch/windlass.

Illustration 1

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Actions when unable to heave up anchor 1 Feb 2018

Illustration 2

3.
If the attempt to heave the anchor cannot be carried out, consider cutting the anchor
chain. Only do this in agreement with the Fleet Group. The best location for cutting is
to cut the link which is in the hawse pipe, just in line with the forecastle deck level as
illustrated. When cutting expect not take more than 10 min. for the smallest link and
up to 45 min for the largest chain link.

As against illustrated, for safety reasons, use a long

extension shaft to the gas torch while cutting the chain
link.

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Actions when unable to heave up anchor 1 Feb 2018

Below are the general steps to be taken as a minimum for cutting the anchor chain:

• Perform Safe Job Analysis and tool box talk

• Note and mark in chart exact position of anchor
• Recheck anchor brakes are tightened
• Anchor bow stopper in stop position with safety pin inserted
• Anchor lashing removed
• If possible, connect anchor buoy or markers made of floating material (for later
recovery) to the anchor chain. Ensure that the rope or wire which is used does
not get damaged while using the gas torch
• Use appropriate length of gas torch by modifying its handle (for increasing the
distance from the cutting point).
• Avoid cutting more than one chain link to preserve the length of the chain once
re-joined

4.
If the circumstances are beyond control, and the chain link cannot be cut, proceed to
release the anchor chain from the bitter end. When releasing the bitter end, ensure
the remaining length of the anchor chain in the chain locker is not under load.

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