Ensuring Compliance with BRC (Part 3)

Function three

During the middling of the vessel to the required position, the engines may be used ahead or astern to reduce stress on the windlass.

In calm weather, it is better to drop the port anchor first at position one, as any astern movement to reduce headway will cant the stem away from the anchor.

Standing moor is comparatively safer as the anchor is let go after the vessel has stopped. This reduces the possibility of damage to the anchor which is higher when anchored under headway (as in the case of running moor). It can also be performed without use of the engine.

STANDING MOOR

A standing moor is sometimes preferred over a running moor when the tidal stream is very strong. There is always a risk for foul hawse. Hence, a constant watch must be maintained to prevent foul hawse.

The foul arc and clear arc must be determined. Vessel should always swing to clear arc on each tidal change. Engines may be used to give vessel necessary sheer.

Mooring is usually taken to mean securing the ship with two anchors, one ahead and one lying astern - a cable each way, as it was once called.

The upwind or upstream anchor is known as the riding anchor and cable, the other being called the sleeping or lee anchor and cable.