During docking the anchor chain is lowered from the chain locker to the dock bottom and laid out for inspection.
This allows the inspecion of the chain for broken or lost chain studs. A random set of links are measured from each shackle length ( Shackle refers to a standard length- nominally 27.5m, of chain joined to other shackle lengths by a splitable link). There is an allowable wear limit allowed nominally 12%. The link showed below has wear in excess of this and the shackle length required replacement.
Anchor designs
All of the anchors shown below are of the 'flipper' type. Regulations allows these to be smaller than standard typesBelow is an anchor of typical design seen in many small to medium sized tankers
Below is a high grip anchor typical of that used for four mointing mooring of vessels required to fix their positions accurately
This anchor weighs about 20 tonnes without attachments. The chain link in comparison the anchor size probably indicates this came from a jack up barge. For vessels the holding comes not only from the anchor but the weight and lay of the anchor chain
Again the chain link in comparison the anchor size probably indicates this came from a jack up barge