Page 170 - NAVAL SCIENCE 3 TEXTBOOK

176 NAVA L SKILLS

DECK

FRICTION BRAKE

cr::==:;;: ... ~":" BRAK E
HANO'lr1-lEEL LOCKINC HANO'lrtiEEL

The anchor windlass is the machine used to hoist a bow anchor. The wildcat under the capstan has teeth (whelps) that engage the links of the
anchor chain.

Anchoring ing stopper is attached. \"ith all in reildiness, the first lieutenant
orders aU hands (except a person with a sledgehnlllmer to release
The first lieutenant is in charge of the aI/chor detail on the forecas-
the last stopper) to stand clear of the chain. This is a safety precau-
tle while ~nchoring ~nd weighing anchor. Either the ship's boat-
tion because nothing will st,lIld in the way of the rapidl)' moving
swain or a senior bo~tswain's mate assists the first lieutenant. A
chain once the stopper is relcilsed. On the order "Let go!" relayed
person from the auxiliaq' machinery division and an electrician's
li'OI11 the bridge, the pelican hook is knocked open with the sledge-
mate, both from the engineering department, ilre in the anchor
hammer, and the ilncllor i.1nd chain plunge with a roar through the
windlilss room to handle any problems with the equipment. The
hawsepipe into the water.
first lieutenant is in direct contact with the bridge by sound-pow-
As the chain runs out, reports arc mi.lde of the amount, strain,
ered telephone.
and angle relati\'e to the bow. For example: "Thirty tathoms out;
letting go. In prcpnring to anchor, all but one of the chain stop-
chain tending at six o'clock; no strain." The word "tend" indiC<ltcs
pers are removed, nnd the bfilke is released so the ilnchor ill the
the direction of the chain relative to the bow, given in terms of
hawsepipe is supported only by the remaining stopper. Sometimes
clock direction (e.g., six o'clock would be tending aft, nine o'clock
the anchor may be walked out (slowly lowered) to n position
would be tending 270 degrees to port). Strain on the chain ma)' be
just above the willer surface by the windlass before the restrain-
reported as light, moderate, hem')', or no strain.