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USCG highlights important issues re anchor equipment

Focus on proper anchor use, stowage, and maintenance The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) issued Safety Alert to remind vessel operators and company technical managers of the importance of proper ships anchor use, stowage, and maintenance.Anchor windlass brakes, riding pawls, and devils claws must be used as designed and periodically maintained to ensure effectiveness and safety. Its critical that proper supervision and inspection be conducted during and after anchoring, retrieving and storage evolutions, and maintenance activities. When installing a replacement anchor, it must meet the vessels technical specifications and fit correctly when housed.Recently, a freight ship was underway in 15 foot seas when the forepeak flood alarms activated. The crew investigated and discovered the starboard anchor had slipped 10-15 links, causing it to strike and puncture the hull. As a result, seawater flooded the bow thruster and emergency fire pump compartment. The casualty resulted in excess of $1 million in vessel damage and a months lost revenues while the vessel was out of service affecting repairs.During the repair period, it was discovered that the anchor windlass brake pad had worn down to 2- 3mm thickness. With only this amount of pad the fully applied brake could not achieve its designed holding ...

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