Anchorage equipment should be inspected and maintained at least every six months. The main inspection items include cracks, structural loosening, deformation, and wear. The anchor's weight loss should be within 20% of its original weight, and the anchor pin wear is allowed to be within 10% of its original diameter. Anchor chain wear must meet navigation area standards; for example, for ocean-going vessels, the average diameter of the worn anchor chain should not be less than 88% of its original diameter. The wear condition of the upper and lower ends of the anchor chain canister, the proper functioning of the anchor chain drain drainage system, and the condition of the chain release device should also be checked.
During navigation, the anchor and anchor chain must be tightened, the chain stopper engaged, the anchor winch securely braked, and the anchor tied firmly with wire to prevent loss in rough seas. When anchoring, the anchor position should be selected appropriately based on water depth and seabed conditions to ensure sufficient anchor chain length and prevent accidents such as dragging anchor or running aground.
Common defects in anchorage equipment observed during maritime safety inspections include severe corrosion or even perforation of the anchor winch base, severely worn brake pads, missing chain stoppers, and severe anchor chain wear.
