Question 1. What type of anchors are generally fitted to Class VII vessels?

Answer: Stockless anchors.

Question 2. What are the parts of a 'stockless anchor'?

Answer: Anchor Crown 'D' shackle, shank, arms, fluke, pea or bill, crown, tripping palms. The lower part of the anchor attached to the shank is termed the 'head' of the anchor.

Example of a stockless anchor.

Question 3. What is the length of a shackle of anchor cable?

Answer: A shackle length is 15 fathoms, or 27.5 m (90 ft).

Question 4. How are shackle lengths joined together?

Answer: The most popular method of joining anchor cable shackles is by the use of 'Kenter Lugless joining shackles' alternatively 'D' lugged joining shackles may be used.

Question 5. How would you secure the Stockless Anchor, when the vessel is about to proceed outward bound to sea?

Answer: Once the anchor is 'home' and stowed correctly into the 'hawse pipe' the windlass brake would be firmly applied. The hawse pipe cover would be set in position and the bow stopper would be secured.

A devils claw would be set and tensioned with the bottle screw and additional chain lashings may be passed through the Anchor Crown 'D' shackle and shackled on deck. Finally, the 'spurling pipes' would be sealed with either designated covers or by means of a stuffing pudding and cement.

Question 6. What is considered 'Good Holding Ground' for the anchor?

Answer: