BCM BASICS - ANCHORING

Question 1

Hawspipe

Answer 1

cylindrical or elliptical pipe or casting in a vessel’s hull

through which the anchor rode runs.

Question 2

Ground Tackle

Answer 2

A general term for the anchor, anchor rodes, fittings, etc.,

used for securing a vessel at anchor.

Question 3

Mooring Bitt

Answer 3

A post or cleat through or on the deck of a vessel used to

secure an anchor rode or other line to the vessel.

Question 4

“Rode”

Answer 4

The rode is the line from the boat to the anchor and is usually made up of a
length of line plus a short length of chain. Large vessels may use an allchain
rode. Each element of the system must be connected to its neighbor in
a strong and dependable manner.

Question 5

Scope

Answer 5

The ratio of the length of the anchor rode to the vertical
distance from the bow chocks to the bottom (depth plus
height of bow chocks above water).

Calm 5:1
Moderate 7:1
Heavy 10:1

Question 6

Vertical Load

Answer 6

The lifting force placed on the bow of the vessel by its

anchor rode.

Question 7

(04) Main Safety Reasons to Anchor

Answer 7

(01) Engine failure,
(02) Need to stay outside of a breaking inlet or bar,
(03) To weather a storm,
(04) To hold position while passing gear to a disabled vessel

Question 8

Fittings connected to the Anchor Rode

Answer 8

Shackle,
Swivel,
Thimble,
Chafing Chain
(optional) detachable link

Question 9

What’s a Shackle?

Answer 9

Bends the length of chafing chain to the shank of the
anchor. Can also be used to connect other pieces of
ground tackle together (swivels, thimbles, etc.).

Question 10

What’s a Swivel?

Answer 10

Allows the vessel to rotate around the anchor without

twisting the line/chain.

Question 11

What’s a Thimble?

Answer 11

Protects the anchor line from chafing at the connection

point.

Question 12

Hierarchy of Ground Types (Best to Poor)

Answer 12

FIRM SAND/CLAY (BEST)
MUD (VARIES)
LOOSE SAND (FAIR)
ROCK & CORAL (LESS)
GRASS (QUESTIONABLE)

Question 13

Where can you find a ground/bottom type characteristic for anchoring?

Answer 13

On the nautical chart within the depth contours normally marked iaw with ‘Chart One’ i.e. rock “rk” Coral “Co”

Question 14

How should you approach an anchorage?

Answer 14

Bow into the prodominent elements. (wind/current) remember 30kts of wind is equal to 01kt of current.

Question 15

When lowering the Anchor what action is important to maintain control of the line?

Answer 15

visable to take a
working turn on the forward bitt or cleat to maintain control of the rode. If
anchoring in a strong wind or current, the anchor rode may not be held with
hands alone.

Question 16

Many anchors have been lost due to this.

Answer 16

Failure to attach the rode properly.

If
anchoring for an extended period, the pin should be seized on all shackles to
prevent the pin from coming out. Rodes as well, have gone with the anchor
when not secured properly to the vessel.

Question 17

Enough ‘scope’ should be laid out so that the rode is at an angle of __°

Answer 17

8° or less, with the bottom.

Question 18

Scope Ratio of Line for ‘Heavy’ Condtions.

Answer 18

10: 1
example: 20’ depth at 10:1 is 200’

Question 19

Scope Ratio of Line for ‘Moderate’ Conditions

Answer 19

7: 1
example: 20’ depth at 7:1 is 140’

Question 20

Scope Ration of Line for ‘Calm/Mild’ Conditions

Answer 20

5: 1
example: 20’ depth at 5:1 is 100’

Question 21

Minimum Angle for Two Landmark bearings to judge if anchor is dragging

Answer 21

minimum 45° apart

Question 22

What should be used to determine Anchor Dragging

Answer 22

Radar Ranges
Bearings,
Marking Position on GPS,
Anchor Plot

Question 23

Forward Bitt that the anchor line is made to is called

Answer 23

Sampson Post

Question 24

(04) Things to be on lookout for during Anchor Watch.

Answer 24

1. Dragging
2. Weather Changes
3. Other Vessels, Dragging/Near You
4. Connection of Anchor Rode to Fitting

Question 25

This can be used and attached to Crown of an anchor to assist in breaking anchor away.

Answer 25

“Trip Line”

Question 26

What’s the benefits of a “Trip Line”

Answer 26

Besides helping recover a fouled anchor, a trip line helps determine where
the anchor is on the bottom in relation to the vessel. This may help prevent
other boaters from anchoring in the area as well as help make the approach
back to the anchor during recovery.

Question 27

What’s “Short-Stay”

Answer 27

term used to describe when the rode is 90° with the setting of the anchor.

Question 28

Three Conditions of Anchor when recovering

Answer 28

Fouled, (entangled)
Shod, (muddy/debris)
Fair, (clean)

Question 29

Minimum amount of personnel working the deck

Answer 29

02