200348 Anchoring Hazards

Anchoring Hazards
Report No. 200348

During an anchoring operation, a vessel's anchor was run out under gravity to 6 shackles, checked and finally adjusted to 9 shackles on deck. A crew member who was on the fo'c'sle but not directly involved with the anchoring operation, was enveloped by the resulting dust/debris cloud and later complained of irritation to his eyes requiring treatment from the shore doctor to alleviate it.

When engaged in anchoring, there is always a hazard from dust and debris flying off the anchor cable. With this in mind, all persons in the vicinity should be wearing suitable personal protection including eye protection. The Officer in charge must always ensure that neither himself nor any other crew member stands in line with the anchor cable either in front or behind the cable lifter, as there have been fatalities in the past caused by cables which have gone out of control.

If there is any doubt as to the efficiency of the brake, anchors should always be lowered in gear, using the windlass motor and never allowed to run so fast as to overheat the brake.