Parts of the Anchor System of a Ship
Sep 23, 2025



What is the Anchor System of a Ship?

The anchor system is essential equipment that secures a ship in place at sea or in port. It consists of interconnected parts such as the anchor, chain, windlass, and locker, working together to prevent drifting, protect the vessel, and ensure safety during operations, emergencies, or harsh weather conditions.

Parts of the Anchor System of a Ship

1. Anchor
A heavy steel device that grips the seabed to hold the ship in position. It prevents drifting due to wind, waves, or current, ensuring stability and safety.
2. Chain Cable
A strong, durable chain linking the anchor to the ship. Its weight and strength allow effective seabed penetration, withstand high tension, and resist corrosion in harsh marine conditions.
3. Windlass
A powerful mechanical device used to heave up or let go the anchor chain. Operated hydraulically, electrically, or manually, it ensures safe, efficient anchoring operations and controlled chain movement.
4. Chain Stopper
A securing device that locks the anchor chain when not in use. It relieves stress on the windlass, prevents chain slippage, and ensures safety during sailing or rough weather.
5. Anchor Lashing
Strong securing arrangement that holds the anchor firmly in place while the ship is underway. It prevents unwanted movement caused by vibration, waves, or ship motion, protecting vessel structures.
6. Hawse Pipe
A cylindrical pipe at the bow through which the anchor chain passes from deck to sea. It aligns and protects the chain, preventing friction damage and entanglement.

7. Stripper Bar
A guiding device located near the windlass. It clears the anchor chain from the gypsy, directing it smoothly into the spurling pipe, preventing jamming and ensuring efficient chain handling.
8. Spurling Pipe
Connects the windlass to the chain locker, guiding the anchor chain downward. It allows smooth transfer, prevents tangling, and withstands heavy chain impacts during retrieval and stowage operations.
9. Bitter End
The secured inboard end of the anchor chain, fixed inside the chain locker. It prevents accidental loss of the anchor and allows controlled release in emergencies for safety.
10. Chain Locker
A compartment below deck where the anchor chain is stored. It keeps the chain organized, ventilated, and corrosion-free, while containing movement and ensuring readiness for anchoring operations.


Importance of the Anchor System

The anchor system ensures ship stability, prevents drifting, and enhances safety during loading, unloading, or rough seas. It protects the vessel, crew, and cargo while ensuring smooth, reliable, and efficient maritime operations.

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Fire Extinguisher

A fire extinguisher is a portable safety device designed to control or put out small fires in emergency situations. It works by releasing a fire-suppressing agent that cools the fire, removes oxygen, or interrupts the chemical reaction of combustion. Fire extinguishers are commonly found on ships, buildings, and industrial areas as part of basic fire-fighting equipment. Main Parts and Their Functions Discharge Lever – When squeezed, it releases the extinguishing agent. Safety Pin – Prevents accidental discharge; must be pulled before use. Carrying Handle – Allows safe handling and control during operation. Pressure Gauge – Indicates whether the extinguisher is properly pressurized and ready for use. Pickup Tube (Siphon Tube) – Draws the extinguishing agent from the bottom of the cylinder. Gas Canister – Contains compressed gas that pushes the extinguishing agent out. Extinguishing Agent – The substance used to fight the fire (e.g., dry powder, foam, CO₂). Discharge Nozzle / Hose – Directs the agent accurately toward the base of the fire. Fire extinguishers are vital first-response tools and must always be properly maintained and correctly used for effective fire control.

WILLIAMSON TURN

The Williamson Turn is a maneuver used to reverse the course of a vessel and return along its original track. It is primarily applied during Man Overboard (MOB) situations, especially when the exact position of the casualty is uncertain or when visibility is poor, such as at night or in fog. Purpose: • To bring the ship back onto its previous course line, improving the chance of relocating the person who fell overboard. • Ensures the vessel returns to the point of incident efficiently and safely. • Helps maintain visual and navigational reference in low-visibility conditions. Procedure: 1. Apply full rudder toward the side where the person fell overboard. 2. Allow the vessel to deviate 60° from its original course. 3. Shift full rudder to the opposite side. 4. Continue the turn until the vessel is heading about 20° from the reciprocal (opposite) course. 5. Return rudder to midships. 6. Steady the vessel on the reciprocal course and proceed back along the original track to search for and recover the casualty.

IMMERSION SUIT: Essential Survival Gear for Every Seafarer

An immersion suit also called a survival suit is a life-saving garment designed to keep seafarers protected in the event of abandoning ship, especially in cold waters. Made of insulated, waterproof material, it drastically slows body heat loss and increases chances of rescue. Purpose • Thermal Protection: Retains body heat to prevent hypothermia. • Buoyancy: Keeps the wearer afloat without the need to swim. • Visibility: High-visibility color and reflective tape help rescuers locate survivors quickly. • Survivability: Protects against wind, waves, and freezing temperatures while awaiting rescue.

Understanding Mooring Winch

A winch is a mechanical device with a rotating drum used to pull, lift, or control heavy loads using wire rope, cable, or synthetic line. It provides controlled movement of equipment, lines, and cargo on deck. Purpose of a Winch ‣Heave in or slack out mooring lines safely ‣Lift or move heavy objects with controlled tension ‣Assist in towing, anchoring, and cargo operations I‣mprove safety and efficiency during deck tasks

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