Page 171 - NAVAL SCIENCE 3 TEXTBOOK

BASIC SEAMANSHIP 177

,"Vith the chain veered to the proper scope, it should hang in a
slight catenary (dm\'l1\\'ard curve). Normally a stopper is attached,
and the ship will be slowly backed down to imbed (set) the anchor
into the sea !loor.1f too little chain is let out, the !lukes will not dig
well into the bottom, and the anchor is apt to drag. Loud rumbles
will be heard if the anchor drags on a rocky bottom, and a series of
vibrations rnay be felt on a rnud bottom.
Weighing anchor. Before the anchor is hoisted (weighed),
the windlass engine is tested. The wildcat is engaged, the brake
released, a strain is taken on the chain, and the stoppers are cast
loose. Just before the ship gets under way, the anchor is usually
heaved in to short stay. This is a condition in which there is the
minimum amount of chain out that keeps the anchor from break-
ing loose from the bottom; the chain is nearly vertical in the water.
Only the officer of the deck can order heaving to short stay, and
then only after receiving permission from the captain.
Sailors on a ship's forecastle making ready to anchor. Note the two
When the ship is ready to get under way, the anchor is heaved
chain stoppers securing each anchor in place.
in as ordered from the bridge. Status reports are made to the
Scope of chain. The amount of chain payed out (veered) is bridge from time to time, usually when the various shot markers
known as the scope of chain used to anchor. Usually a ship anchors become visible at the water's edge. (Examples: "Fifteen fathoms
in water less than 20 fathoms deep. Under favorable sea condi- at the water's edge"; and when the anchor is at short stay, aweigh
tions, the common practice is to use a scope of chain that is five to [broken loose from the bottom]' in sight, and secured for sea or
seven times the depth of the water, with St'{ times the depth being ready lor letting go.)
a common rule of thumb .. More chain may be payed out if rough As the chain comes in, it is hosed off to remove mud. Often, the
weather is expected. shot markings are repainted. Some links of each shot are tested by

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OPEN CHOCK CLOSED CHOCK

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ROLLER CHOCK BOLLARD

Towing Padeye

Deck fittings used for handling lines. All the fittings shown are common on ships and boats except for the bollard, which is a pier fitting. The tow-
ing padeye is used as the attachment point for a towing hawser.