Factors Influencing Anchoring Safety
There are many factors influencing anchoring safety depending on various properties of vessels, climates and weathers, operators decisions and behaviors. If these 3 factors can fit together, then the anchoring conditions can be relatively safe.
When we consider the outer environment, we should consider the sea bottom conditions(sandy or rocky),water depth, wind, current and waves speed and directions. When we consider vessel itself, we should consider what type is it, shipping ton, how old is it, draft height, and if the main engine and rudders work well. When we consider mooring conditions, we must think about the anchor type, its weight, unit weight for anchor chains, chain scope length, mooring method and anchor status.
In general, every half year crew is advised to check and maintain anchors, in order to keep good conditions of anchors. Every 3 months crew is advised to check anchor chains, hawsepipes, chain stopper, windlass and braking systems, and keep records for examination and maintainance.