Your vessel is ordered to anchor off a busy UK port to await a berth. As OOW, how do you select an anchorage position and execute the anchoring?

A. ANCHORING procedure: (1) ANCHORAGE SELECTION: consult the chart, pilot book, and port authority instructions — identify designated anchorage areas; check charted depth (aim for 15-30m in most commercial anchoring); check seabed type (mud or sand preferred — better holding than rock); calculate swinging room (vessel length + scope × depth = minimum clear radius); check for nearby obstructions, pipelines, cables; confirm wind and tidal stream direction for the approach; (2) APPROACH: approach slowly, heading into the tidal stream (or wind if stream is negligible) to maintain steerage with minimum speed; stop the vessel when the bow anchor is over the intended dropping position; (3) LET GO: master's order — walk back the anchor to the surface, then let go; allow the vessel to drift/move astern slowly; pay out scope as the vessel moves back — ideally 5-7 × depth (or as instructed); (4) BEARING CROSS: take two or three compass bearings on fixed charted objects as the anchor runs out; this is the anchor bearing — the vessel's position when the anchor was dropped; monitor for dragging by comparing cross bearings or ECDIS position; (5) LOG: record time, position, depth, scope of cable, holding ground, and weather in the deck log.

B. Anchor in the shallowest water available to reduce cable scope needed. Shallow anchoring is always preferred as it reduces scope requirement.

C. Let go the anchor from full sea speed and allow the chain to run out freely — this buries the anchor deeper and provides better holding.

D. AIS tracking provides sufficient position monitoring when anchored. No fixed bearing cross checks are needed if the AIS position shows you are stationary.

A. OOW pilot boarding responsibilities: (1) PREPARE: ensure pilot boarding station is rigged correctly — pilot ladder complies with SOLAS V/23: secured to strong points, spreaders fitted if freeboard exceeds 9m, man-ropes rigged, deck lighting on, lifebuoy with light and line ready at the boarding position, officer present at the ladder foot; (2) COMMUNICATE: confirm ETA and pilot boarding position with the pilot station via VHF; confirm pilot ladder or combination ladder (helicopter?); (3) NIGHT PREPARATIONS: illuminate the ship's side at the pilot ladder; ensure the bridge has the pilot card prepared (vessel particulars, draught, GM, LOA, beam, manoeuvring data); (4) WHEN PILOT BOARDS: inform master immediately; note time of boarding in the deck log; pilot takes the conn — master retains command; OOW assists with communications (VHF Ch 12/16, calling tugs, relaying helm/engine orders), maintaining deck log, monitoring position on ECDIS/radar; (5) MASTER'S AUTHORITY: SOLAS V/34 — the pilot's presence does not relieve the master of responsibility for the safety of the vessel. If the pilot gives an order the OOW or master believes is unsafe, it must be challenged immediately.

B. Once the pilot boards, the OOW's role is complete. The pilot takes full legal responsibility and the OOW should leave the bridge until berthing is complete.

C. Pilot boarding is the bosun's responsibility. The OOW should remain on the bridge and not visit the pilot boarding station.

D. Once a compulsory pilot is aboard, the master's authority transfers to the pilot. The OOW should follow the pilot's orders as they would the master's.

A. DETECTING DRAGGING ANCHOR: (1) BEARING CROSS: fixed compass bearings on at least two charted objects (lighthouses, buildings, buoys) — if bearings move steadily in the same direction (not normal tidal/wind swinging), the anchor is dragging; (2) ECDIS ANCHOR WATCH: alarm activates if vessel moves outside the set radius; (3) DEPTH SOUNDER: if depth is shoaling or changing unexpectedly for your position — investigate; (4) ECHO OF THE CHAIN: place your hand on the windlass — a dragging anchor causes the chain to clatter (bouncing across the seabed); a holding anchor produces a steady tension. ACTION WHEN DRAGGING: (1) CALL THE MASTER IMMEDIATELY; (2) Engine on standby (if not already); (3) Monitor rate of dragging — is it slow or rapid; (4) If dragging toward danger: immediately put engine ahead to take weight off anchor; let out more scope if safe water allows; if this fails: heave up and manoeuvre; (5) If safe room permits: let out more cable — increased scope may check the drag; (6) Consider letting go second anchor if fitted; (7) If unable to hold: proceed to sea or re-anchor in a safer position.

B. A dragging anchor is indicated by the echo sounder showing increasing depth. If depth remains constant, the anchor is holding regardless of position changes.

C. In Force 7 wind all vessels drag at anchor — this is normal. Anchor watches are unnecessary in weather below Force 8.

D. If the anchor drags, release the brake and let all available cable run out — the maximum possible scope will stop any dragging anchor.