• Reporting
Reporting is another vital duty of the deck officer in charge of the anchoring operations.
The duty officer acts as the eye of the Master in anchoring; hence every single status of the operation should be updated to the Master. The most significant factors to be reported are:-
1. Anchor position
While anchoring operations are underway, the anchor-chain position is a matter of high concern. The positions are reported normally in
• Reporting
Reporting is another vital duty of the deck officer in charge of the anchoring operations.
The duty officer acts as the eye of the Master in anchoring; hence every single status of the operation should be updated to the Master. The most significant factors to be reported are:-
1. Anchor position
While anchoring operations are underway, the anchor-chain position is a matter of high concern. The positions are reported normally in
a. Clock format – Considering the bulb as 12’o clock, the position to be reported with reference from the bulb. The positions on starboard side will be 1’o clock, 2’o clock etc. and port side will start from 11′ o clock
b. Cardinal Points – Reporting using the points system with every point 11.25 degrees. Example – 2 points on starboard bow.
2. Chain Stay
Along with the Position, the stay of the chain is also to be reported. Stay of the chain is the tendency of its movement. While reporting the following terms are to be used for the respective observations.
a. Short stay – when the chain is leading in a short range from the ship’s side.
b. Medium stay- When the chain is leading in a medium range from the ship’s side.
c. Long stay- When the chain is leading in a longer range from the ship’s side extending from the hawse pipe.
d. Up and Down – When the chain is vertically leading parallel to the ship’s side. It will not extend and will be leading vertically downwards from the hawse pipe to the seabed.
Example of reporting – Position 2’o clock, long stay.
Different officers have different reporting styles. It is good to use the way an individual is comfortable with, as long as the Master and the rest of the anchoring team is clearly able to understand.
In normal cases, while letting go the anchor, the chain needs to be stretched out for the anchor to hold the vessel. After dropping the anchor, the chain stay will be longer. When the anchor is holding to the seabed and the chain is settling down, the stay comes gradually to medium and then to a short range. Finally the chain will go up and down which means the anchor is holding and the chain is settled down.
• Safety
The deck officer in charge is responsible for the safety of the equipment and the crew members involved in the anchoring operation. The officer has to watch out for himself and his crew during the operation. Unsafe practices should be corrected and the officer should be able to lead the crew and guide them on doing the operation safely. Regarding safety, the following points should be noted :-
a. Use of proper PPE including safety helmet, gloves, goggles, and ear muffs (if needed)
b. While checking the anchor and its chain, find the apt position from where you can observe the anchor and avoid leaning over from the ship’s side.
c. While letting go the anchor, stay well clear from the windlass
d. While lowering/heaving the anchor on gear, do it in a gradual speed and avoid sudden and repeated alteration of the speed of windlass and its direction of movement
Anchoring is a crucial and highly practical operation. In most of the cases, theoretical guidelines and bookish knowledge are helpful only to an extent. Situational awareness and spontaneity of the officers, and their instant decision making capability helps to carry out the operation fruitfully. A good knowledge of ship’s maneuverability and the limitation of the equipment involved will further help the officer to make such spontaneous decisions. The competency of the officer is decided upon his ability to consider the situation, command his crew and to assess the orders give by the Master, to carry out the operation safely and efficiently.
Have we missed any important duties of deck officer that can be added to this article? Let’s know in the comments below.
(Concluded)
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