Course duration: 1 dayThe

Anchoring course is highly specialized navigational training. Its goal is an in-depth understanding of the physics and limitations of anchoring equipment, as well as mastering the techniques of safe approach, dropping, and weighing anchor. Participants learn how to manage risk in crowded anchorages and how to use the anchor as an emergency tool to save the ship from running aground.

Requirements:

• A valid identity document (ID card / passport / mObywatel app)

The course price includes:

• Cost of issuing the certificate / attestation by the Maritime Office / Maritime School
• Coffee / tea
• Free parking

Additional fees:

• Courier delivery of documents (upon request)

Certificate validity:

• Indefinite (No expiration date)

Course program:The training comprehensively covers the issues of planning, maneuvering, and emergency situation management:

• Planning – selecting an appropriate spot in the anchorage, analyzing the type of bottom, assessing depth, calculating the safe swinging radius in relation to other ships and shallows.
• Anchoring equipment – understanding the physical limitations of windlasses, drives, band brakes, and weak links in the system.
• Anchoring techniques – shallow water anchoring and precision-requiring deep water anchoring. Using the anchor to assist maneuvers in confined waters.
• Anchor watch – organizing the watch, setting navigational alarms, proper observation, and VHF communication with VTS and nearby ships.
• Emergency situations – early recognition of dragging anchor in deteriorating weather conditions. Responding to fouled chains. The procedure for emergency slipping of the anchor chain and dropping the anchor to stop the ship in the event of a main engine/steering failure.

What will you learn?

By participating in the training, you will acquire advanced maneuvering and operational competencies that will allow you to:

• Properly plan and execute the approach maneuver to the anchoring point, precisely controlling the ship’s speed in relation to wind and current.
• Conduct professional and unambiguous communication between the bridge and the maneuvering team on the forecastle.
• Determine the optimal length of the paid-out chain ensuring maximum holding power for a given depth and weather.
• Instantly and flawlessly take preventive actions when a navigational alarm or observation indicates that the anchor has stopped holding the ship (dragging anchor).

What does the training look like?

The course is based on a combination of advanced theory and intensive maneuvering training:

• Lectures – analysis of the technical documentation of windlasses and joint examination of high-profile maritime accidents (MAIB/NTSB reports) in which procedural errors during anchoring led to multi-million dollar losses.
• Simulator training – the practical part of the training. Officers and Masters perform maneuvers of dropping and weighing anchor in diverse weather conditions and at various depths. They also practice responding to a sudden deterioration of weather in the anchorage and the loss of anchor holding power.

Where does the training take place and is there parking?

The training takes place in Gdynia at 13A Polska Street. Free parking is located at 6 Chrzanowskiego Street. The barrier code is provided when the course is confirmed by the secretariat staff.