As background to the development of this revised publication; concerns had been expressed, by OCIMF member companies and others, about an increase in the number of incidents involving anchor losses, windlass motor failures and associated personnel injuries. A review of third party anchoring incidents by an OCIMF member highlighted the following various issues. As a result of the review, it was agreed to revise and update the information contained in the original 1982 publication to assist in promulgating the lessons learnt from incidents, to provide improved information on anchoring practices and to recognize advances made in anchor systems in the intervening years. In particular, this publication highlights the design capabilities and limitations of anchoring systems and equipment with the aim of enhancing the safety of operations.

The scope of this publication addresses anchoring systems and procedures that are applicable to all vessel types, irrespective of their size.