201410 Windlass failure

While heaving up the port anchor in an area with strong current, the anchor appeared to be fouled; then suddenly the chain began to run out, causing the windlass to fail. Three shackles slipped away before the brake was tightened sufficiently to stop the chain outflow.

Several hours were required to effect temporary repairs to the windlass before the port anchor could be recovered. Permanent repairs required the replacement of the main shaft, studs and claw coupling among others.

Lessons learned
The limitations of the vessel’s anchor and mooring equipment are of paramount importance. Whenever the anchor is recovered in a fouled position, the first action should be to engage the chain stopper, tighten the windlass brake and disengage the windlass gear immediately before any other course of action.

In this instance there was no procedure for heaving up anchor in a fouled condition and related risks were not analysed. In light of this experience, a procedure will be established whereby attempts to clear a fouled anchor should be made by letting go the brake and manoeuvring until the anchor is cleared. If this should fail after several attempts, an alternative solution to release the anchor that is easy and safe should be devised to save the windlass from being damaged.

Although it was not an issue in this instance, catastrophic failure of the windlass poses a risk of injury from flying debris. Where possible, personnel should avoid standing in line with the motor and should make use of the remote control system, if fitted.

Editor’s note: If a fouled anchor cannot be cleared after several attempts as outlined above, there may be no choice but to cut the chain and have the gear recovered (or not, depending on costs) by alternative means. There is no need to endanger life and limb and put the ship’s equipment at risk for an anchor that can be recovered safely through other means.
 

 

Comment from Vilas Salukhe MNI, published in May 2014 issue of Seaways
If the anchor is badly fouled at the bottom and cannot be freed, the traditional seamanship practice (if time and circumstances permit) is to bring the next Kenter shackle on deck and open it with pin and hammer. Cutting the chain with a saw or a gas torch may not be suitable or possible.