FOM-3.37	Fleet Operations Manual Navigation Anchoring in Areas Having Strong Current	Doc No.: FOM-3.37 Revision: 01 Date: 15 Oct 2024 Issued by: DPA Approved by: MD

1. GENERAL

• Special attention is required when the vessel is required to anchor in areas having excessive current.
• Some of the examples of such areas are:
  • Mississippi River
  • Chittagong anchorage
  • Yangon River
  • Hooghly River (Kolkata and Haldia Ports)

2. PREPARATION AND PLANNING

• Before anchoring in any area where strong current is expected, information about the expected current must be obtained from all available sources like Navigation Charts, Sailing Directions, HIS Ports & Terminals Guide, DNV NAVIGATOR Software, local agents, tidal atlas, etc.
• Master-Pilot information exchange should involve a thorough discussion on the currents, tidal streams expected at the anchorage area.
• Special consideration must be given to the strength of the current in a river during Ebb Tide. If the under-keel clearance is less than 2 meters, there is a higher possibility of dragging anchor.
• When the vessel has to anchor in an area having excessive current, the Marine Superintendent will assess the risks in coordination with the Master. The vessel shall be allowed to anchor only if the risk is considered to be within acceptable limits.
• If the vessel is required to anchor in a river waiting for berth availability, the possibility of allowing her to wait outside the river entrance in an area of lesser current shall be ascertained.
• Avoid anchoring the vessel near river bends exposed to cross currents. Call Port Tugs when the vessel has heavy yawing and heave up anchor and re-anchor at another location with reduced currents.

3. PRECAUTIONS

3.1 General

• Main Engine must be kept standby at short notice.
• Both anchors must be ready for use at all times.
• Continuous and efficient anchor watches must be maintained.
• Anchor chain stopper bar must be properly placed and secured after anchoring.

3.2 Actions if Vessel is Dragging Anchor

• Master to be informed immediately.
• Inform the engine room, and prepare the main engine for maneuvering.
• Pay out additional length of cable.
• Try to hold the vessel in position using the Main Engine and thrusters if fitted.
• Inform and alert Vessel Traffic System (VTS) and other vessels nearby about the condition and inform about the actions taken. Seek permission for re-anchoring.
• Heave up the anchor and drop it again after reaching a safe area.
• It becomes more difficult to weigh anchor when the vessel is pressed more to the leeward side. Use bow thrusters for stemming the wind in that case.
• Call tugs for assistance if available in the area.

3.3 Additional Actions

• Under no circumstances should heaving up of anchor be tried if the cable is under excessive strain.
• Engines should be first started to counteract the drag due to the wind/current forces, and heaving should be commenced only when the cable is up and down without weight.
• The windlass gear should not be left in the engaged condition if it is not possible to heave up the anchor, as this may damage the windlass.
• Release the bitter end and let go of the anchor completely when weighing of anchor is not possible, and if it is not possible to control the vessel using her main engine. A careful assessment is to be made prior to making this decision.