UNIT 1.

ANCHORING

1. Glossary of Maritime English terms and SMCP (Standard Marine Communication Phrases) related
to anchoring.

ALTER THE COURSE (TO)- to change course

ANCHOR noun - an object designed to prevent or slow the drift of a ship, attached to the ship by a
line or chain; typically a metal, hook-like or plough-like object designed to grip the bottom under the
body of water; verb- to deploy an anchor ("She anchored in the offing.")
~ is dragging - moving of an anchor over the sea bottom involuntarily because it is no longer
preventing the movement of the vessel
~is dredging-moving of an anchor over the sea bottom to control the movement of the vessel
~is foul-anchor has its own cable twisted around it or has fouled an obstruction
To be/lie/ride at~ -to be anchored; to be brought up.
Walk out (to)~ -to reverse the action of the windlass so as to ease the cable

SMCP: AII/3.5

Stand by port/starboard/both anchor(s) for letting go.

Walk out the anchor(s).
Let go port/starboard/both anchor(s).
We will let go port/starboard/both anchor(s)
Is/are the anchor(s) holding?
Is she brought up?
Switch on/off anchor ball.
Hoist/lower anchor ball.
Check the anchor position by bearings.
Stand by for heaving up.
Anchor(s) aweigh/clear of bottom.
Anchor(s) is/are clear of the water
Anchor(s) is/are home
Anchor(s) secured

ANCHORAGE noun- a suitable place for a ship to anchor; area of a port or harbour.
SMCP:AII/3.5
We are going to anchorage.
We are leaving the anchorage.

BERTH noun 1. A sea room to be kept for safety around a vessel, rock, platform, etc; 2. The place
assigned to a vessel when anchored or lying along a pier, etc.
BOTTOM noun-the ground below the water in a lake, river, sea or ocean.
EVEN BOTTOM-(of sea bed) smooth, level and flat.
BRING THE SHIP TO ANCHOR (TO)-to drop anchor.
BRING THE SHIPS HEAD UP INTO THE WIND(TO)- the ships bow /head is with the wind
(in the wind direction) not against the wind.

CABLE noun 1. anchor chain; 2. a measure of length or distance, equivalent to (UK) 1/10 nautical
mile, approx. 600 feet, 185.2m ; (USA) 120 fathoms, 720 feet (219 m); other countries use different
values.
SMCP:AII/3.5
Pay out the cable(s)
Check the cable(s)
Hold on the port/starboard/both cable(s)
How is the cable leading?
The cable is leading ahead/astern/to port/to starboard/round the bow/up and down.
How is the cable growing?
The cable is slack/tight/coming tight.
How much cable is out?
Heave up port/starboard/both cable(s).
How much weight is on the cable.
Much/too much/no weight is on the cable.
Attention! Turn in cable(s).
The cables are clear.

CONSPICUOUS adjective easy to see or notice from a distance.

GIVE A SHIP THE STERNWAY WITH THE ENGINE (TO)-(of ships) movement backwards.

GROUND noun -the bed of the sea.

GOOD-HOLDING GROUND referring to the capacity of the sea bottom to provide a secure
anchorage.

LANDMARK noun something, such as a large building, water tower, church spire, that you can see
clearly from a distance (used especially in costal navigation).

MAKE FAST (TO)- to secure a vessel to a dock, pier or a mooring buoy.

MOORING BUOY- a floating object anchored at a given position to which a vessel can be made
fast/secured.

OFFING noun-1. at a far distance; 2. the open sea when viewed from the shore.
OFFSHORE adverb distant from the shore; away from ready access to safe harbour.

PATCHES OF SAND-small areas of sand

ROAD/ROADSTEAD noun-a sea anchorage outside a harbour.

SHACKLE noun.-1.standard length (15 fathoms=1.83m x 15) of an anchor cable; 2. a U shaped

fastener closed with a threaded bolt, used to securely connect two hardware parts, such as chain to an
anchor, block to a padeye, shroud to a chainplate, etc.
SMCP:AII/3.5
Put ..shackles in the water/in the pipe/on deck.
How many shackles are left (to come in)?
shackles are left (to come in)

SHOAL noun- an area where the bottom shape rises near the surface making the waters unsafe for
navigation.
SLACKEN SPEED (TO)verb-to reduce speed
SOFT MUD- wet earth that is soft and sticky
STEER FOR (TO) verb- (of a boat) to move in a particular direction.
STEM ON TO THE CURRENT (TO BE)-the vessel sails with the current not against it.
STERNWAYnoun-the reverse movement of a boat or watercraft through the water.
SWING AT ANCHOR (TO)-to turn from one direction to another while at anchor.

TAKE THE WAY OFF THE SHIP (TO)-to stop the ship.
TIDE noun a regular rise and fall in the level of the sea, caused by the pull of the moon and sun.
EBB TIDE-1. the stage of the tide when it is falling; 2. The period of time during which the tide is
falling
FlOOD TIDE -1.the stage of the tide when it is rising 2. The period of time during which the tide is
rising.
SLACK TIDE- the tide is neither rising nor falling.
TIDAL STREAM- tidal current
TIDAL STREAM SET- tidal stream direction.
SMCP:AI/3;AI/3.1.4
The present tide is..metres above/below datum in position
The tide is.metres above/below prediction.
The tide is rising/ falling
Wait until high/low water.
Abnormally high/low tides expected in positionat aboutUTC/withinhours.
Is the depth of water sufficient in position?
Yes, the depth of water is sufficient in position.
No, the depth of water is not sufficient in position.
My draft is.metres-can I enter/pass (charted name of place)?
Yes, you can enter/pass (charted name of place)
No, you cannot enter/pass... (charted name of place)-wait untilUTC.
The charted depth of water is increased/decreased by.metres due to sea state/winds

2.READING COMPREHENSION.

2.1. Read the text and try to infer the meaning of the new words and phrases from the context.

When approaching a port of call, a ship is usually assigned a berth or a terminal (depending
on the type of ship) to make fast. Sometimes, due to bad weather conditions or delay in designated
berth clearance, ships may have to anchor either in the roadstead or in the inner harbor. When going
to the designated anchorage, the following information is needed: the depth of water (that is why,
constant soundings have to be taken), nature of the holding ground (clay, sand, shingle, chalk, gravel,
shells, mud or their combinations- information provided by the nautical charts and Pilot books), state
of the tide during the intended stay, tidal stream set and speed (Tide Tables), direction and force of the
wind (radio weather forecast). If there is a strong wind, it is necessary to bring the ships head up into
the wind. In case there is a strong tidal stream or current the ship should be stem on to the current.
When the ship is near her intended place, the captain reduces or slackens speed, to take the
way off the ship , by ordering Dead slow ahead and Stop engines. Next, a little sternway with the
engine (if there is no wind or current) is given, Half astern. On the forecastle deck, which contains
all the anchoring equipment, the Chief Mate and the Bosun prepare the anchor(s) for letting go. The
scope of cable to be paid out depends on many factors, such as the size of the ship, the weather and
tide conditions and the quality of the holding ground. It is the captain, the pilot or the officer of the
watch (OOW) who must determine how much of chain is to be paid out in each case. Usually, a
length of chain equal to about five times the depth of water is sufficient.
During anchoring operations, questions or orders like: Is the anchor ready to let go?, Let
go port /starboard anchor, Put ..shackles in the water, Walk back the anchor, How is the cable
leading?, Where is the cable leading? are frequently heard when using on board radio
communications between the Bridge and the forward station. When the ship is finally brought up, i.e.
riding at anchor, the anchoring ball is hoisted (by day) and the anchor light is switched on (by) night.
It is the OOWs (Officer of the Watch) duty to take the anchorage bearings, to see that the soundings
are taken at the anchorage, to enter the data into the log book and to mark the ships position on the
chart.
At night one or more men are posted on anchor watch. It is their duty, under the officer of the
watch, to see to the security of the ship (in case of pirate attack) and also to see that there is sufficient
room for the vessel to swing with the tide without striking another vessel.
2.2. Answer the following questions related to the above text.
1. Why do ships have to anchor before berthing when approaching a port of call?
2. Where do ships anchor?
3. What information is needed when going to a designated anchorage?
4. If there is a strong wind, or a strong tidal stream or current, what course of action must the
captain take?
5. What does to take the way off the ship mean?
6. Where is the anchoring equipment located?
7. Usually, which crew members attend to anchoring operations?
8. The scope of chain to be paid out depends on which factors?
9. What length of chain is sufficient for a safe anchoring?
10. What does brought up mean?
11. How do we signal that our ship is riding at anchor?
12. What is the OOWs duty when riding at anchor?
13. What is the duty of the deckhands posted on anchor watch at night?

3. Listen to the dialogue between the Miranda Captain and the pilot on board and then
answer the following questions.

1. Is the vessel going to or leaving the anchorage?

2. Why do they have to drop anchor?
3. Are there any mooring buoys?
4. Where will they have to anchor?
5. What landmarks will they have there for the anchorage? What bearings should be kept?
6. What are the depths at the anchorage?
7. What is the nature of the holding ground?
8. Is there enough room at the anchorage for swinging?

3.1. Simulate the following dialogue between the Miranda Captain and the pilot on board.

P: In half an hour we shall be at the anchorage. Its time to notify the engine room and to get the
anchors ready.
C: Thats right. Which anchor are we going to use?
P: Well use the starboard anchor.
C: How much chain shall we need?
P: I think four shackles will do.
C: All right. Ive ordered a deck-hand to start taking soundings.
P: Thats very good. You see that red tower over there? We must steer for that tower till the port
lighthouse opens to southward.
C: Well, what then?
P: Then, we must alter the course to starboard and steer for the lighthouse till we are a mile off-shore.
That is our berth.
C: Oh. I see. The depths are beginning to decrease.
P: Soon well be underway and proceed into port.
C: Fine! I have already given orders to stand by to weigh anchor. We have just got a radiogramme
from our agent. He has arranged to berth the ship at Berth No.7.
P: Very good, Sir. This is a very convenient berth.
C: How shall we proceed from here?
P: We shall steer for the port lighthouse, keeping in the green sector of the light till we come to the
entrance. Then we shall keep two red leading lights in line till we pass through the entrance. After that
we shall keep the bright light ashore in line with the breakwater head light. This will bring us straight
to the wharf.
C: All right, thats clear. Shall we heave the anchor up?
 4. Read the following excerpts from the Dover Strait Pilot Book related to anchoring. Fill in the
table below with the information derived from these excerpts which will be numbered from 1 to
8. An example has been provided for you.

4.1.
There is an anchorage about 2 miles S of the harbour entrance, stiff blue clay. This anchorage
is considerably sheltered and the sea is kept down by The Owers (5040'N, 040'W), which acts as a
natural breakwater during W and WSW winds.

4.2.

There is anchorage off Shoreham harbour in any convenient depth from 4m, sand over clay
and chalk, about 3 cables off the entrance to 9m, sand and shingle with patches of chalk, 2 miles
offshore. The pilots consider the best holding ground, sand and gravel over chalk and clay, is 1
miles off the entrance, in a depth of 7m, with High Lighthouse bearing 000.

4.3.
Anchorage off Folkstone harbour is much exposed and is only used by vessels waiting for the
tide to enter harbour. The best holding ground is in depth from 12m to 18m, clay and sand. A good
berth is with Copt Point in line with Folkstone Breakwater Light, bearing 025, the latter distant 2
cables. Vessels anchored 7 cables S of the breakwater have reported dragging their anchors over
apparently rocky bottom.

4.4.
Good anchorage, in offshore can be found in a depth of 7.5m in Seaford Road, 1 miles
ESE of the breakwater head, with Beachy Head Old Lighthouse in line with the foot of Seaford Cliff,
bearing 109, and Seaford Church, bearing 055. This anchorage is clear of the track of cross-channel
ferries to and from Newhaven, and provides good shelter with winds from E by S, through N, to
WNW.

4.5.

Holding ground is not good in parts of The Downs, particularly S of Goodwin Fork Light-
buoy (51 13 ,2N, 1 27 .2E). The best anchor berth on the W side of the charted anchorage for large
vessels is in a depth of 12.5m, with South Foreland Lighthouse in line with the beacon on the HW line
in Oldstairs Bay, bearing 208 , and Deal Castle bearing 290 .
There is good anchorage farther S, in a depth of 12.5m, with Walmer Castle (51 12 N,
1 24 E) bearing about 295 , distant 11 cables.
With NE winds it is better to anchor in Trinity Bay, in a depth of 21m, with Deal Castle
bearing 280 , distant 3 miles.
Vessels drawing up to 5m can anchor in The Small Downs, as indicated on the chart, 1
1/4miles NE of Deal Pier. This anchorage is better for small vessels than that in The Downs, as it is
more sheltered and the holding ground is better.
Care must be taken to avoid a swept 4.4m wreck, in the SE part of the anchorage area and a
2.6m shoal, 4 cables N of the wreck. This shoal forms part of a small sandwave area extending S from
the S end of Brake.

4.6.

The recommended outer anchorage is within a circle radius 5 cables, centered 12 cables W
of Jetee Nord Light, in depths from 10m to 16m (33 to 53ft), sand and shell, bad holding ground. The
anchorage is exposed to winds from SW, through N, to NE. the sea rises very rapidly and vessels
should only anchor here in fine weather.
The best anchorage is reported to be on the edge of the above area in a depth of 10m (3.3ft),
with Jetee Sud light-tower bearing 085 , distant 7 cables.
The mooring of fishing gear within 1000m of Jetee Sud Light-tower is prohibited and
anchoring in this area is not advised.

4.7.

There is anchorage for vessels awaiting the tide to enter harbour in depths from 7m to 9m
(23ft to 30ft), mud, off the entrance. This anchorage is only tenable in calm weather, or during winds
from between SE and S.

4.8.

This area lies within a radius of about 1 miles of D1 light-buoy, with depths from 6m to
12m. The bottom is sand and shingle or sand and shells; the holding ground is good.
The anchorage is exposed to winds from W, through N to NE. In bad weather from the W,
the swell runs round Point dAilly and breaks on the beach. In bad weather from between NW and
NE, the sea is very high at the entrance to the harbour during the out-going tidal stream, and the swell
is felt in avant-port.
Prohibited area. Anchoring and fishing are prohibited in the triangular area, indicated on the
chart, extending 5 cables from the harbour entrance.

Information 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
from the
excerpts on:
Location of the 2 miles S of
anchorage the harbour
entrance
Depths at the
anchorage
Nature of the stiff blue
holding clay
ground
Nature of the considerably
anchorage: sheltered
tenable,
sheltered or
exposed
Types of
vessels the
anchorage is
intended for
Warning;
prohibited
areas;
hazardeous
areas which
impose
caution.
5. SMCP relating to anchoring and leaving the anchorage in context.
Role-play the following scenarios either in class or in the simulator.

5.1 Anchoring operations.

The Miranda is approaching the anchorage. The Chief Officer is making preparations for
anchoring. He is on the forecastle with the Bosun and other deckhands.

Chief Officer: Take the covers off the spurling gates and unplug them.
Bosun: Covers off. Spurling gates unplugged, Sir.
Chief Officer: Take the lashings from the cables and ease back the compressors.
Deck hand: Lashings off. Compressors eased back, Sir.
Chief Officer: Put the windlass of the port anchor in gear and lower the anchor out of the hawse-
pipe.
Bosun: Windlass in gear. Anchor clear of the hawse-pipe, Sir.

The ship is proceeding against the tide towards her intended anchorage. The Captain, the Chief
Officer , the Helmsman and the Second Officer are in the wheelhouse.

Captain: Steer for that white tower one point to starboard, helmsman.
Helmsman: Steering for white tower one point to starboard, Sir.
Captain: Steady as she goes.
Helmsman: Steady as she goes, Sir
Captain: Mate we are approaching the anchorage. Go forward with the Bosun and prepare the port
anchor for letting go. We will use five shackles in the water.
Chief Officer: Yes, Sir. We will prepare the port anchor to let go. We will use five shackles in the
water.
Captain: Walk the anchor back to just above the water and hold it on the brake.
Chief Officer: Walk the anchor back to just above the water and hold it on the brake.
Captain: Dead slow ahead.
2nd Officer: Dead slow ahead, Sir.
Captain: Stop engine.
2nd Officer: Stop engine. Engine stopped, Sir.
Captain: Half astern.
2nd Officer: Half astern, Sir.
Captain (on radio): Miranda. Captain to Mate. Is the anchor ready to let go?
Chief Officer (on radio): Miranda, Mate to Captain. Port anchor ready for letting go. The anchor is
just above the water.
Captain: Second Mate, what is the sounding?
2nd Officer: Sounding forty metres, Sir.
Captain (on radio): Miranda, Captain to Mate. Let go port anchor.
Chief Mate (on radio): Miranda. Let go port anchor.
(to Bosun): Let go Bosun.
Captain (on radio): Miranda. Captain to Mate. Where is the cable leading?
Chief Officer: Miranda. Mate to Captain. Cable is leading forward. Medium weight. Two shackles
in the water.
Captain (on radio): Miranda. Two shackles in the water. Leading forward. Keep paying out the
cable.
Captain (to 2nd Officer): Stop engines.
2nd Officer (to Captain): Stop engines.
Chief Officer (on radio): Miranda. Mate to Captain. Three shackles in the water. Leading forward.
Slight weight.
Captain (on radio): Miranda. Three shackles. Thank you. Pay out cable. Inform me when four
shackles are in the water.
Chief Officer (on radio): Miranda. Mate to Captain. Understood. Sir.
Chief Officer (on radio): Miranda. Mate to Captain. Four shackles in the water.
Captain (on radio): Miranda. Four shackles in the water. How is the cable leading?
Chief Officer (on radio): Miranda. Slight weight. Ten oclock.
Captain (on radio): Miranda. Slight weight. Ten oclock. Pay out the cable. Inform me when five
shackles are in the water.
Chief Officer (on radio): Miranda. Five shackles in the water.
Captain (on radio): Miranda. Five shackles in the water. Hold on.
Chief Officer (on radio): Holding on.
Captain (on radio): Miranda. Captain to Mate. Is she brought up?
Chief Officer (on radio): Miranda. Brought up, Sir.
Captain (on radio): Miranda. Captain to Mate. Screw her up and put a bar across.
Chief Officer (on radio): Miranda. Screw her up and put a bar across.
(to Bosun)
Chief Officer (on radio): Miranda. Mate to Captain. She is screwed up. Five shackles in the water.
Bar across. Cable leading 10 oclock.
Captain (on radio): Thank you Mate. Hoist the anchor ball before you leave.
Chief Officer (on radio): Miranda. Anchor ball being hoisted, Sir. Standing down.
Chief Officer (to Bosun): Bosun. Hoist the anchor ball and then stand down. Thank you.

5.2. In another leg of her voyage, the Miranda is approaching the anchorage with the pilot on
board. We will follow her carrying out both anchoring and leaving the anchorage operations.

Pilot: What is your draft and what is your length overall?

Miranda Captain: My draft aft is 6m and we are trimmed by the stern. My length overall is 120
metres.
Pilot: We will use port anchor and put 6 shackles in the water.
Miranda Captain: I have a bulbous bow. We must walk out the cable before dropping anchor.

(The ship is now at her anchorage with engines stopped and no way on her.)

Pilot: Stand by to anchor! ...Let go anchor! ...Do not dredge it.

Captain: How much cable is out?

Chief Mate: We have four shackles on deck and the chain is leading astern.
Pilot: Where is the cable leading?
Chief Mate: It is beginning to lead ahead. There is a lot of weight on the cable.
Pilot: Stop engines! Pay out the cable, another two shackles.
Chief Mate: She has been brought up.
Miranda Captain: Finished with engines. Put the brake on and secure the chain. Do not forget to
hoist the anchor ball/switch on the anchor lights.
Pilot to VTS: We are at anchor on the leading line. Our position is 123 degrees from the Lighthouse,
distance 3 miles. Our swinging room is clear of the fairway.
Pilot to Captain: If the wind increases pay out the cable 2 more shackles. Do not drag the anchor.

(When he arrives the next morning, the pilot makes sure that the cable is not leading round the bulb,
so the ship can heave up anchor and get under way as soon as the engines are ready.)

Miranda Captain: Put the windlass in gear. Heave up anchor.

Chief Mate: We are heaving up anchor!
Pilot: How many shackles are left?
Chief Mate: Two shackles in the pipe.
Pilot: Keep on heaving!
Chief Mate: The anchor is aweigh. Sir! The anchor is foul; there is a bit of wire round the
flukes.
Captain: Heave up just the same and get the anchor to the pipe. We will clear it later on.

6. Here is an MAIB (Maritime Accident Investigation Branch) incident report. Read the
report and then work out a possible on board communication during the event. You will
be provided the starting of the on board exchange.

Poor Operational Design Contributes to Gas Carrier Grounding

Narrative

Happy Lady, a 6,107gt LPG carrier with 4,200 tonnes of butane on board, arrived at the Thames
Estuary on the evening of 20 January, after an uneventful 22 hour passage from Grangemouth. She
had been due to berth at Coryton on arrival, but because the terminal was enveloped in thick fog she
was instructed to anchor at Z4 anchorage off Shoebury Ness. She dropped her starboard anchor in
clear visibility in position 51degr 29.7N 000degr 50.1E, just south of the centre of the designated
anchorage. She was brought up with four shackles of cable on deck in charted depth of about 14m.

The pilot boarded the vessel at 0950 the following morning, to take her to Coryton. Master/pilot
information was exchanged, and it was agreed that the former should manoeuvre the vessel while the
anchor was being lifted. The Filipino senior AB (the vessel did not carry a bosun), and a deck boy
were stationed on the forecastle, equipped with a hand-held VHF radio for communication with the
Russian master. The vessel was heading into the wind, which was from the east-south-east, force 7 to
8. The tide had begun to ebb at a rate of 1 knot.

The senior AB reported that the cable was leading on the port bow (10 oclock) with moderate weight
on it. The master instructed him to begin heaving. The engines were running with the controllable
pitch propeller set on zero pitch. The cable was successfully heaved in a little way with the weight
gradually increasing, and its lead growing further to port. At 1005 the senior AB reported that the
cable was leading around the bow and astern, and that the windlass was having trouble heaving. The
master used propulsion, rudder and bow thrust to try and turn the vessel to port. However, although
the vessel gradually turned from east-south-east through north, the anchor cable continued to lead to
port and astern, and frequently became lodged in the acute angle between the rake of the stem and the
bulbous bow.

The chief officer was instructed to go forward at about 1020. The third officer, meanwhile, who was
manning the bridge with the master and a helmsman, plotted the ships position on the chart and
reported that she was moving to the north towards the drying bank off Shoebury Ness about half a
mile away. The master continued to try to swing the vessel to port and, whenever possible, the chief
officer ordered the cable to be heaved, but it was slow progress hampered by the strong wind. The
master was unable to manoeuvre the ship to improve the lead, and the cable jammed frequently.

The third officer continued to plot the vessels position, and reported that she was steadily moving
towards the bank. At 1036, after the vessels head had reached about 270 degrees, the chief officer
reported that the anchor was visible near the surface but jammed on the port side of the bulbous bow.
The master knew that the vessel was very close to the bank and he tried to manoeuvre astern into
deeper water. Despite his endeavours, the vessel did not move and, by 1041 he realized she was
aground. The tide was falling.

The vessel refloated, with the assistance of two tugs, at the next high water at about 2130. She
proceeded under her own power to Z4 anchorage, where checks revealed that she had apparently
sustained no damage.

6.1 Based on the information provided by the report, you could start the on board
communication like this:

Captain: Happy Lady forward station. Stand by to let go starboard anchor.

Able Seaman: Happy Lady. Standing by to let go starboard anchor.
Captain: Happy Lady forward station. Let go starboard anchor. Put four shackles in water.
Able Seaman: Four shackles in the water, Sir.

7. VOCABULARY PRACTICE

7.1. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate ME terms.

a. Ships may anchor either in the..or in the inner harbour.
b. If there is a strong wind it is necessary to put the ships.up into the wind.
c. If there is a strong tidal stream or current, the ship should be ..on to the current.
d. To take the way off the ship means to .her.
e. The anchoring equipment is located on the.deck.
f. It is the Chief Mate and the .who usually attend to anchoring operations.
g. The scope of chain to be paid out depends on many factors such as: the size of the ship,
the weather and tide conditions and the.....of the holding ground.
h. A length of chain equal to about .times the depth of water is sufficient.
i. When riding at anchor, the anchor.is hoisted by day and the anchor.is switched on
(by night).
j. An anchored vessel needs sufficient room to .without striking another vessel.

7.2. Decide if the following statements are true(T) or false(F).

a. The Chief Mate is on the poop deck making preparations for letting go. T/F
b. The covers are taken off the spurling gates. T/F
c. The compressors are eased forward. T/F
d. Steady as she goes means to steer a steady course on the compass heading
indicated at the time of the order. T/F
e. Walk the anchor back means to heave up anchor. T/F
f. Screw her up and put the bar across means to apply the brake screw hard
to stop the ship moving. T/F
g. Standing down means to go off duty. T/F
h. Dragging of anchor means moving of an anchor over the sea bottom
to control the movement of the vessel. T/F

7.3. Make the following sentences into questions. Use the What, Where, When, How format.

1. Please tell me the direction in which the cable is leading.

2. Please tell me the sounding.
3. Please tell me your course.
4. Please tell me your ETA at the port entrance.
5. Please tell me about your destination.

7.4. Put the words in the correct order to make commands.

 1. out, the, cable, pay
2. letting, go, for, anchor, the, stand, starboard, by
3. anchor, hoist, ball
4. heaving, by, stand, up, for

5. shackles, put, four, water, in

7.5. Revise all the reading texts and scenarios. Fill in the table below with the appropriate
ME words and phrases. An example has been provided for you.

SMCP:going SMCP: Weather Ship parts Holding Directions

to anchor; leaving the condition and naval ground
anchoring anchorage
operations; equipment

-she dropped -the anchor -thick fog -forecastle -good -ahead

her starboard was being holding
anchor lifted ground

8. SELF-TEST

1.Fill in the blanks with appropriate ME terms.

When the ship is near her intended place, the captain reduces or 1 speed, to take the way
2 the ship, by ordering 3 slow ahead and Stop engines. Next, a little 4 with the
engine (if there is no wind or current) is given, Half astern. On the 5 deck, which contains all
the anchoring equipment, the Chief Mate and the Bosun prepare the anchor(s) for 6 go. The
7 of cable to be paid out depends on many factors, such as the size of the ship, the weather and
tide conditions and the quality of the 8 ground. It is the captain, the 9 or the officer of the
watch (OOW) who must determine how much of chain is to be 10 out in each case. Usually, a
length of chain equal to about five times the depth of water is sufficient.

2. Fill in the Captains lines in the following dialogue.

P: In half an hour we shall be at the anchorage. Its time to notify the engine room and to get the
anchors ready.
C:
P: Well use the starboard anchor.
C:
P: I think four shackles will do. What about the soundings?
C:
P: Thats very good. You see that red tower over there? We must steer for that tower till the port
lighthouse opens to southward.
C:
P: Then, we must alter the course to starboard and steer for the lighthouse till we are a mile off-shore.
That is our berth.
C:.
P: Soon well be underway and proceed into port.
C:
P: Very good, Sir. This is a very convenient berth.
C:
P: We shall steer for the port lighthouse, keeping in the green sector of the light till we come to the
entrance. Then we shall keep two red leading lights in line till we pass through the entrance. After that
we shall keep the bright light ashore in line with the breakwater head light. This will bring us straight
to the wharf.
C:

3. Match the General English sentences on the left with the corresponding SMCPs on the right.

1. Prepare to drop port anchor. a. Putshackles in the water.

2.Prepare to lift anchor. b. Pay out the cables.
3.The anchor is moving involuntarily over the sea c. Is she brought up?
bottom.
4.Let go the cable. d. Too much weight is on the cable.
5.The anchor is engaged. e. To walk out the anchor.
6. What is the direction of the cable? f. Stand by for heaving up.
7. Drop shackles in the water. g. Stand by port anchor for letting go.
8.Too much strain is on the cable. h. The anchor is foul.
9.To reverse the action of a windlass so as to ease i. How is the cable leading?
the cable.
10.Is she at anchor? j. Anchor is dragging

TEACHERS NOTES

The prerequisites for this unit are: the students should be familiar with terms related to ship structure,
ship parts, naval equipment, ships dimensions, standard wheel and engine orders and directions.
The glossary can be used either to familiarise the students with the content of the unit (prediction)or
merely as a dictionary to be resorted to in case the students cannot guess the meaning from the
context.

2.2. This activity can be done either traditionally, i.e. students read the text and the teacher asks the
questions or the students are organised in groups and do the activity on their own under the
teachers supervision.

1. Sometimes, due to bad weather conditions or delay in designated berth clearance, ships may have to
anchor in the roadstead or in the inner harbour.

2. Ships may have to anchor either in the roadstead or in the inner harbour

3. When going to the designated anchorage, the following information is needed: the depth of water,
the nature of the holding ground), the state of the tide during the intended stay, tidal stream set and
speed, direction and force of the wind.

4. If there is a strong wind, it is necessary to bring the ships head up into the wind. In case there is a
strong tidal stream or current the ship should be stem on to the current.

5. To take the way off the ship means to stop the ship.
6. The anchoring equipment is located on the forecastle deck.

7. Usually, the Chief Mate and the Bosun attend to anchoring operations.
8. The scope of cable to be paid out depends on many factors, such as the size of the ship, the weather
and tide conditions and the quality of the holding ground.

9. Usually, a length of chain equal to about five times the depth of water is sufficient.

10. Brought up mean means stopped by dropping anchor.

11. When the ship is finally brought up, i.e. riding at anchor, the anchor ball is hoisted (by day) and
the anchor light is switched on (by) night.

12. It is the OOWs (Officer of the Watch) duty to take the anchorage bearings, to see that the
soundings are taken at the anchorage, to enter the data into the log book and to mark the ships
position on the chart.

13. At night one or more men are posted on anchor watch. It is their duty, under the officer of the
watch, to see to the security of the ship (in case of pirate attack) and also to see that there is sufficient
room for the vessel to swing with the tide without striking another vessel.

3. The recording may be played twice. Students should be encouraged to take notes in order to
answer the questions as accurately as possible.
Transcript of the dialogue
P= Pilot; C= Captain

P: In an hours time we will approach the port. As its ebb time now we shall have to wait for the tide
in the outer roadstead. The depths in the entrance to port are not sufficient for our draft.
C: How long shall we wait for the tide?
P: We will have to wait until sunset.
C: Shall we have to anchor or may we make fast to the mooring buoys there?
P: There are no mooring buoys there; well have to anchor half a mile off-shore
C: What landmarks will we have there for the anchorage?
P: There is a conspicuous water tower on the coast, which should be kept on bearing 36 and the
lighthouse at the port entrance, which should bear 78.
C. What are the depths at the anchorage?
P: The bottom is quite even; there are no rocks or shoals.
C: What is the nature of the ground there?
P: There is good holding ground; soft mud with few patches of sand.
C: Is there enough room at the anchorage for swinging?
P: Oh, there is plenty of room for several ships.

3.1.
1. The vessel is going to the anchorage.
2. Because its ebb time and the depths in the entrance to port are not sufficient for the vessels draft.
3. No, there arent.
4. Theyll have to anchor half a mile off shore.
5. A conspicuous water tower on the coast and a lighthouse at the port entrance.
6. The bottom is quite even. There are no rocks or shoals.
7. There is good holding ground; soft mud with few patches of sand.
8. There is plenty of room for several ships.
4. You can decide on the format of the relevant information derived from the excerpts either by using
the actual wording in the texts (as I did) or in note form.

Information 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
from the
excerpts
on:
Location of 2 miles S anchor Anchorag Good The best The Off the An
the of the age off e off ancho anchor recomme harbor area
anchorage harbour Shoreh Folkstone rage berth is nded entranc within
entrance am harbour in on the outer e a
harbou Seafo W side anchorag radius
r rd of the e is within of
Road, charted a circle about 1
1 anchora radius 5 1/4mile
ge with cables, s of D1
miles
South centered light-
ESE of Forelan 12 cables buoy
the d W of
break Lightho Jetee
water use in Nord
head line with Light; the
the best
beacon anchorag
on the e is
HW line reported
in to be on
Oldstair the edge
s Bay, of the
bearing above
208 , area in a
and depth of
Deal 10m
Castle (3.3ft),
bearing with Jetee
290 . Sud light-
tower
bearing
085 ,
distant 7
cables.

Depths at depth depths in a depths depths depths

the from from 12m depth of from 10m from from
anchorage 4m, to 18m 12.5m to 16m 7m to 6m to
about (The 9m 12m
3 Downs)
cables 21m(Tri
off the nity
Bay)
entran
ce to
9m, 2
miles
offshor
 e
Nature of stiff blue sand holding Better sand and mud Sand
the holding clay over ground holding shell, bad and
ground clay clay and ground holding shingle
and sand; (Small ground s or
chalk, the best Downs) sand
sand holding and
and ground, shells;
good
shingle sand and
holding
with gravel
ground
patche over
s of chalk and
chalk clay, is 1
miles
off the
entrance,
in a
depth of
7m, with
High
Lighthous
e bearing
000
Nature of consider This more The only The
the ably ancho sheltere anchorag tenable anchor
anchorage: sheltere rage d e is in calm age is
tenable,shel d is (Small exposed weathe expose
tered or clear Downs) to winds r, or d to
exposed of the from SW, during winds
track through winds from
of N, to NE. from W,
cross- the sea betwee throug
chan rises very n SE h N to
nel rapidly and S. NE
ferrie and
s to vessels
and should
from only
Newh anchor
aven, here in
and fine
provi weather.
des
good
shelte
r
with
winds
from
E by
S,
throu
gh N,
 to
WN
W.

Types of only used Large Anchor

vessels the by vessels; age for
anchorage vessels vessels vessels
is intended waiting drawing awaitin
for for the up to g for
tide 5m; the tide
small
vessels
Warning; Vessels A The Anchor
prohibited anchored sweapt mooring ing and
areas; 7 cables 4.4m of fishing fishing
hazardeous S of the wreck; a gear are
areas which breakwat 2.6 shoal within prohibi
impose er have which is 1000m of ted
caution. reported part of a Jetee Sud
dragging small Light-
their sandwav tower is
anchors e area. prohibite
over d and
apparent anchoring
ly rocky in this
bottom area is
not
advised

5. Here is my suggestion for using the scenarios.

First, the students role-play the on board exchanges. Then, they are organised in groups and the
teacher provides them with slips of paper which include SMCP relating to anchoring and leaving the
anchorage. Next, the students are asked to choose an anchorage area from the reading excerpts in
exercise 4.and to work out a scenario of their own. Finally, each group performs their scenario in
front of the class. As a follow up activity, commentaries on the stage performance could be carried
out.

6.1.I strongly recommend the use of MAIB incident reports as authentic materials which can
be used for teaching ME vocabulary as well as for practicing on board and external
communications. This activity can also be assigned as homework to be discussed in the next
session.

MAIB incident report. Possible on board communication during the event.

Captain: Happy Lady forward station. Stand by to let go starboard anchor.

Able Seaman: Happy Lady. Standing by to let go starboard anchor.
Captain: Happy Lady forward station. Let go starboard anchor. Put four shackles in water.
Able Seaman: Four shackles in the water, Sir.
Captain: Happy Lady forward station. What is the sounding?
Able Seaman: Happy Lady. Sounding fourteen metres.
Captain: Happy Lady forward station. Take the anchorage bearings. Enter the data in the log book.
Able Seaman: Happy Lady. Taking anchorage bearings, Sir.

(Next morning)
Happy Lady Captain: Pilot Station. This is Happy Lady in position 5129.7 N 00050.1 E South of
Z4 anchorage off Shoebury Ness. Question: What is ETA Pilot on board ship? Over.
Pilot Station: Happy Lady. This is Pilot Station. Answer: ETA Pilot 09.50 UTC. Instruction: Rig
pilot ladder on starboard side. Over.
Happy Lady Captain: Pilot Station. This is Happy Lady. Message understood. ETA Pilot 09.50
UTC. Instruction-received. I will rig pilot ladder on starboard side. Over.
(Pilot-Master exchange)

Captain: Happy Lady Forward Station. How is the cable leading?

Able Seaman: Happy Lady. Cable leading on the port bow 10 0clock. Moderate weight.
Captain: Stand by to heave up.
Able Seaman: Happy Lady. Standing by to heave up, Sir.
Captain: How is the cable leading?
Able Seaman: Happy Lady. Cable leading around the bow and astern.
(manoeuvres to swing the vessel to port to improve the lead)
Captain: How is her head?
Third Officer: Her head is 270 degrees, steady on course..drying bank off Shoebury Ness.
Captain: Captain to Mate. Is the anchor clear?
Chief Mate: Mate to Captain. Negative. Anchor jammed on the port side of the bulbous bow.

7. You may use this as a quiz+grades or just as a mere practice test.

Vocabulary Practice

7.1. a. roadstead; b. head; c. stem; d. stop; e. forecastle; f. bosun; g. quality; h. five; i.ball, light; j.
swing.

7.2. a. F; b. T; c. F; d. T; e. F; f. T; g. T; h. F.

7.3. 1. Where is the cable leading? 2. What is the sounding? 3. What is your course? 4. What is your
ETA at the port entrance? 5. What is your destination?

7.4. 1. Pay out the cable; 2. Stand by starboard anchor for letting go. 3. Hoist anchor ball; 4. Stand by
for heaving up; 5. Put four shackles in the water.

8. I usually grade the test.60% is the pass score. The students who fail the test will resume the unit
entirely or partially.

Self-Test

1.

1. slackens; 2. off; 3. dead; 4. sternway; 5. forecastle; 6. letting; 7. scope; 8. holding; 9. pilot; 10.paid.

2. The Captains lines need not be identical with the original dialogue. They just have to be logical
and meaningful.

C: Thats right. Which anchor are we going to use?

C: How much chain shall we need?
C: Ive ordered a deck-hand to start taking soundings.
C: Well, what then?
C: Oh. I see. The depths are beginning to decrease.
C: Fine! I have already given orders to stand by to weigh anchor. We have just got a radiogramme
from our agent. He has arranged to berth the ship at Berth No.7.
C: How shall we proceed from here?
C: All right, thats clear. Shall we heave the anchor up?

3.
1g; 2f; 3j; 4b; 5h; 6i; 7a; 8d; 9e; 10c