CHECKS CARRIED OUT ON AN ANCHOR CHAIN DURING DRY-DOCKING AND POSSIBLE REPAIRS

Checks on the anchor chain during dry-docking:

1. The anchor chain is ranged (laid out) on the dock floor and examined link by link.
2. Visual inspection: Examine each link for wear, corrosion, pitting, cracks, distortion, and damage. Check the link diameter (measure the wear) against the allowable limits.
3. Check the studs (the cross-bars in the links) for looseness/ damage.
4. Check the shackles, swivels and the joining links for wear, corrosion, cracks and correct condition.
5. Check the anchor (the crown, flukes, shank) for damage, wear and correct condition.
6. Check the chain's length/ markings (the painted/ marked links at intervals) and the overall condition.
7. Measure the link wear (diameter) and compare with the maker's/ Class allowable limits (e.g. the maximum allowable reduction in link diameter).

Possible repairs for identified defects:

• Worn/ corroded links: If the link wear is within limits, the chain is cleaned, painted/ preserved and returned to service. If the wear exceeds the limit, the affected links/ the chain section is renewed.
• Cracked/ damaged links: The affected links are renewed (replaced with new links/ a new section of chain).
• Loose/ damaged studs: The studs are re-seated/ renewed.
• Worn/ damaged shackles, swivels and joining links: Renewed.
• Damaged anchor: The anchor is repaired (welding/ re-facing) or renewed.
• The chain is re-marked (the painted markings) and the repairs are recorded; the chain is surveyed/ approved by the Class surveyor as required.