ABSTRACT

The term 'lee shore' has become synonymous with a vessel losing control of main engine power, or loss of steering through the malfunction of steering motors or loss of the rudder. In the event of a loss of engines or steering, the vessel could inevitably find herself at the mercy of the weather, being blown towards the lee shore. Anchors come in all shapes and sizes, but each is usually functional to provide a level of holding power. Conventional shipping tends to operate with conventional stockless anchors large ships may be equipped with high holding-power anchors like the AC14. Changes in construction from cast steel to prefabricated steel provide the differences in holding ability. Other anchors have dedicated operations as mooring anchors, reaction anchors or as piggy anchors within the offshore fraternity and the marine environment generally. Virtually all non-military vessels work anchors by a windlass or heavy-duty winch arrangement.