It is the anchor chain.
The swing circle is calculated by determining the distance from the center of the vessel's anchor to the outermost point of the vessel's bow or stern when at anchor. This distance is typically measured by adding the length of the vessel to the length of the anchor rode (the chain or line connecting the anchor to the vessel). The swing circle represents the area in which the vessel may drift while at anchor, helping navigators to avoid collisions with other vessels or obstacles. It’s essential to account for tidal changes and wind effects when assessing the swing circle.
Another name for an anchor chain is a "cable." In nautical contexts, it may also be referred to as a "chain cable," which specifically denotes the heavy chain used to connect an anchor to a vessel.
scope
An anchor should be secured to a vessel at a designated anchor point, typically located at the bow (front) of the ship, where it is designed to handle the forces exerted when the anchor is deployed or retrieved. This point is usually reinforced with strong hardware to ensure it can withstand the weight and tension of the anchor and chain. The anchor chain or rode must be properly stowed and managed to allow for smooth operation during anchoring and weighing anchor. Proper securing prevents damage to the vessel and ensures the anchor remains stowed safely when not in use.
A bow stopper is a fitting to secure the anchor chain or rode to the vessel's bow when the anchor is raised. A chain stopper is used to hold the anchor chain in place and relieve strain on the windlass when the anchor is deployed or retrieved.
Anchor handling involves several key procedures to ensure safe and effective deployment and retrieval of the anchor. First, the vessel approaches the anchoring location, and the crew prepares the anchor and associated equipment, such as the anchor chain or rope. The anchor is then lowered to the seabed, allowing the vessel to drift back to ensure proper positioning. Finally, once the anchor is set and holding, the vessel's position is monitored, and adjustments are made as necessary to maintain stability and security.
The turning radius of a vessel is a mathematical computation used to determine the turning circle of the vessel during anchoring in order to check if the anchor is dragging. It can be computed by adding the length of the anchor chain to the overall length of the vessel and subtracting the length between bridge and aft.
The cable attached to an anchor is typically referred to as the "anchor line" or "anchor rode." This line can be made of various materials, such as rope or chain, and is used to connect the anchor to the vessel, allowing for secure anchoring in the water. The choice of material and type can depend on factors like the weight of the vessel and the seabed conditions.
An anchor ball is a sphere attached to the vessel of an anchor buoy, used as a signal to state that the vessel is anchored.
An anchor is fastened to a chain and or hawser. It is used to fasten a ship or boat to the sea bed, and so prevent the vessel from drifting. The anchor is only dropped once the way is almost off the vessel - it is not normally used to bring the vessel to a stop.
The number of shackles in an anchor chain can vary depending on the size of the vessel and its operational requirements. Typically, a standard shackle in an anchor chain measures about 15 fathoms (90 feet or 27.4 meters). Most ships carry anywhere from a few to several dozen shackles of chain to ensure they have enough scope for anchoring in different depths. It’s important for vessels to have adequate chain length to maintain stability and safety while at anchor.
An anchor light is a lantern shown at night by a vessel at anchor.