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Hi,
"Iiiii-haaaaa !" the chain said and followed up the anchor..."
I know it's not funny.
However, I had the same situation some months ago.
The ship was at anchorage place. Only 15 m deep water...
The swell was increasing, and a few shackles more were lowered. Totaly 7 schakcles (cal. 40 mm) were in a water (appx. 193 m)
When the swell became very high, captain decided to heave up the anchor and move away.
Oooops, toooo late...
The ship moved on the swell, chain tensioned so much that brakes could not keep it...
Stopping device. Nop ! Couldn't hold ...
Who is the one to blame ?
////
Lessons to be learned:
1. Avoid situations like that,
2. Develop / implement / keep up a good, simple maintenance schedule (in ISM) for mooring anchorage equipment, which has to include:
Regular inspection of thickness and condition of ferrado brake (3 mm thick as minimum, not oily, well rivited).
Regular inspection of stopping device (main hook is not rusty, greased, securing pins to be in a good order).
Pre-departure inspections of equipment (can be by checklist).
3. Maintenance to be based on a good, experienced seamanship, manufacturer instructions, class rules / suggestions.
4. Hire a competent crew, realizing, that "competence" (=experience + attitude) is somewhat very different to "qualification" (=piece of paper)!
I think, the last one is vital.
P.S. In Your case - some fines can be made, let them share it (who has seen, but... ; who was aware, but ... , bla-bla-bla...).
Good lessons for them. Tell them, that this all can happen to apprentices, not to "so experienced sailors".
Best regards,
Andrei
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