Anchor & Chain Cable Services in Ras Al Khair.

Anchor and chain cable services

Anchor and chain cable services cover the inspection, gauging, marking, repair and renewal of anchors, chain cables, joining shackles, swivels and the fittings that hold them: windlass gypsies, chain stoppers, hawse pipes, spurling pipes and the chain locker with its bitter end securing. Anchoring equipment is part of the ship’s class certification, and a lost anchor or parted cable can quickly turn into a grounding or a costly detention.

vslSafety arranges providers who range and gauge chain for class renewal surveys, replace damaged shackles and lengths, source and certify new anchors and cable, and attend after a loss or incident. Where the anchor is lost overboard, recovery can be coordinated with underwater and diving services.

Regulatory requirements and standards

• Class rules set the required anchors and chain through the equipment number, based on IACS UR A1 (anchoring equipment). Anchors are manufactured and tested to IACS UR W29 and chain cable and accessories to UR W18, with proof and breaking tests witnessed by class at the manufacturer.
• Windlass design and testing is covered by IACS UR A3 for new ships contracted on or after 1 July 2018.
• Class surveys – anchors and cables are examined at annual and intermediate surveys. At renewal surveys, generally from the second renewal survey onwards, chain cables are ranged and gauged. Most IACS societies require renewal of a length where the mean diameter is reduced by 12% or more from the nominal size.
• SOLAS regulation II-1/3-8 covers towing and mooring equipment; anchoring equipment itself is addressed by class rules and flag requirements.

Replacement anchors, cable and accessories must carry class certificates of the correct grade (for example U2 or U3) and be approved by the vessel’s class before installation.

Inspection intervals

Item	Requirement	Interval	Reference
Anchors, cable, windlass, stoppers	General examination	Annual and intermediate class surveys	Class rules
Chain cable	Ranging and gauging of links	At renewal surveys, generally from the second renewal survey	Class rules (IACS)
Chain length with worn links	Renewal	When mean diameter is reduced by 12% or more	Class rules (IACS)
Chain locker, bitter end, hawse pipes	Examination	Renewal surveys and drydock	Class rules
Chain markings, shackle pins, lead pellets	Visual checks	Per planned maintenance and after heavy use	Company SMS

What the service includes

• Ranging of the chain in drydock or on the quay and cleaning for inspection
• Gauging of links with calipers, taking two measurements 90 degrees apart, and recording results by shot
• Checking for cracked or loose studs, elongated links and damaged joining shackles
• Replacement of Kenter or D-type joining shackles, including new taper pins and lead pellets
• Swivel, anchor shackle and crown inspection, and anchor fluke and shank checks
• Repainting of chain shot markings and replacement of seizing wire
• Reversing chain end for end where the class and condition allow
• Inspection of gypsy, chain stopper, hawse pipe and spurling pipe for wear, and the chain locker and bitter end release
• Supply of certified replacement anchors, lengths of chain and accessories

Equipment types covered

Hall, Spek, AC-14 and high holding power anchors; stud link chain cable in grades U1, U2 and U3; joining shackles (Kenter type), end shackles, anchor shackles, swivels and forerunners; chain stoppers (bar, guillotine and roller types); and bitter end release arrangements. Windlass and gypsy overhaul is covered under winch and deck machinery services.

Common defects and PSC deficiencies

• Chain links worn beyond the class allowance, particularly at the anchor end and in the first shots
• Loose or missing studs, and cracked links
• Joining shackles with missing lead pellets or loose pins
• Illegible shot markings, making it impossible to judge length paid out
• Worn chain stoppers and wasted hawse pipe lips
• Seized bitter end release, or chain locker with blocked drainage and heavy mud
• Anchor lost with no class-approved replacement on board

PSC officers may ask to see the anchoring equipment operated and will record deficiencies where it is defective or not ready for use.

Certificates and documents you receive

A chain gauging report by shot, with measured and original diameters and percentage reduction; a condition report on anchors, shackles, swivels and fittings; class certificates for any new anchor, chain or accessories supplied; and photographs. The report supports the class surveyor’s own record for the renewal survey.

How to prepare the vessel

• Ranging is normally done in drydock; confirm the dock plan and space on the dock floor
• Have the original equipment specification, chain certificates and grade available
• Arrange for cleaning of the chain locker and removal of mud before inspection
• If replacement is likely, order certified chain or anchors early, as lead times can be long
• For afloat work, confirm the berth allows anchor and chain to be lowered or landed

Information needed for a quotation

• Vessel name, IMO number, flag and class
• Port, shipyard or anchorage, ETA and ETD or docking dates
• Anchor type and weight, chain diameter, grade and number of shots per side
• Scope: ranging and gauging, replacement, marking, accessory renewal or lost anchor supply
• Previous gauging report and class survey due dates
• Photos of any damage or worn components

vslSafety coordinates a suitable provider at the vessel’s port or shipyard and aligns the work with the class survey.

Frequently asked questions

When does anchor chain need to be renewed?

Under IACS member class rules, a length of chain is generally renewed where the mean diameter of links is reduced by 12% or more from the nominal diameter. Cracked links, missing studs and damaged accessories are also grounds for renewal. The surveyor decides on the basis of the gauging report, so accurate measurements matter.

How is chain cable gauged?

Links are cleaned and measured with calipers at the most worn part, usually where links bear on each other. Two measurements are taken at 90 degrees and averaged, then compared with the original diameter. The results are recorded shot by shot, and the most worn links determine whether that length can remain in service.

Can we replace a lost anchor with a different type?

Possibly, but the replacement must meet the vessel’s class requirements for mass and type, and a high holding power anchor may be accepted at reduced mass only where class approves it. The anchor must carry a class certificate. Confirm with the vessel’s class before ordering, particularly if the original type is no longer available.

Is it acceptable to turn anchor chain end for end?

Reversing the chain spreads wear more evenly and is common practice at drydock. It is acceptable where all lengths are within class limits and joining shackles and markings are renewed as needed. Worn lengths near the anchor may need replacing rather than moving inboard.

What should be checked in the chain locker?

The bitter end should release freely from outside the locker, the locker should drain properly and be free of mud, and the structure should be checked for wastage. Spurling pipe covers help keep water out. Steel repairs in the locker can be arranged through welding and steel work.