Anchor, Chain, Windlass The anchor is something that seldom fails and, therefore, is seldom inspected. A Few Tips: - Find the certificates and the drawings and keep them in the Tackle Book. These drawings and sketches will ensure the correct replacement parts are ordered and that the gear is rigged correctly after each dismantling. There should also be certificates for the Joining Shackles. - Determine which anchors are in use and which is the spare. Has the spare anchor ever been used and, if so, why? Perhaps the spare is damaged and not fit for re-use. - Ensure the windlass goes into gear smoothly and completely. - Ensure the brakes work well and that they do not bind or slip. - Check the brake bands to ensure all connections are solid and not on the verge of failure. - Clean and free all grease nipples. Replace as necessary. - Compare the grease points to the drawings to ensure all grease points are serviced. - When painting the windlass take the extra time to tape or vaseline all grease nipples. This will save much work later. - Ensure the chain fits the Gypsy and that the pockets are not damaged. - Inspect the Devil's Claws or other securing mechanism for damage, corrosion, wear, and operation. - Inspect the rollers. Do they roll freely? Are the grease nipples and greaseways free. - Dismantle the rollers and inspect for wear, damage, greaseways, and fit. - Inspect the Guillotine for damage, wear, distortion and operation. - Inspect all hydraulic hoses and advise the Senior Engineer if they require replacement. - Do the Windlass controls work properly? If not, have them repaired. - Inspect the anchor chain for:   - Loose studs. Any found should be tack welded. Loose studs which come away when the anchor is dropped become projectiles.   - Damaged or distorted links.   - Damaged or distorted Joining Shackles and missing Spile Pins. - When heaving up or paying out under power watch the chain for damage and unusual conditions. - Inspect the anchors (those in use and the spares) for damage, distortion, open links, damaged swivels. - Inspect the chain locker to ensure the Bitter Ends are secured, and are not damaged, distorted or inaccessible. This is of particular importance after a contractor has returned the chain to the ship. - How do you release the Bitter Ends in case of emergency? Does the Deck Crew know how to release the Bitter Ends? - How much cable is in each locker? Check this. - Check the Strum Box(es) in the chain lockers to ensure they are clear of debris. - Check bilge pumps to ensure they operate. - This is also an ideal opportunity to take photos of, or sketch, anything unusual. This may be of use in the future. - Make notes of what you found, where you found it and what, if anything, you did about it. - These inspections can be carried out when the anchor is home and secured, when it is out and secured and by flaking it on the dock. By taking advantage of these opportunities you will gradually complete a full inspection of the anchors. - Take advantage of these opportunities to mark the cables. - Find out when the cables were last changed end-for-end and/or had a shot or two moved from one end to the other. Perhaps the middle shots are not being rotated. - Are there spare joining shackles on board? Find the certificates and find the shackles. Open the shackles and inspect, grease and close. If there are none on board, order two or three. If it is necessary to break shots of chain you will require spare Joining Shackles (Usually the joining shackles cannot be broken and must be burned or cut open.) Joining Shackle Type Kentnor For more info on Anchor Chain go to http://www.h-lift.com/anchorchain.htm - Inspect the block and halyard for the Day Signals. Replace if necessary. Excellent source of information about Anchors: H-Lift Industries Co. Ltd