Confidential Human Factors
Incident Reporting Programme
The Charity
Aviation
Maritime
M2638
Initial Report
Approaching an anchorage, the first mate rushed to prepare the anchor but accidentally released it while the vessel was doing 10 knots. With sufficient water, it didn’t hit the bottom; however, when the mate engaged the brake, the anchor swung and struck the hull, causing minor damage that was repaired during the next haul-out.
CHIRP Comment
Apart from emergencies, never carry out anchoring procedures hurriedly. Heavy gear and high kinetic energy leave little room for error. Preparing the anchor to be let go is a deliberate process and should not be rushed, nor undertaken while the vessel is navigating at speed. Did the first mate experience real or self-perceived time pressure to rush?
Keep clear, closed-loop communications on the bridge, and always confirm brake engagement before releasing. Anchors should be held on the brake, plus guillotine or chain stopper, until vessel speed is reduced and the vessel is close to the anchorage. Ensure the vessel is at a safe speed and in suitable water depth before handling the anchor. Releasing the anchor while moving at 10 knots carries a high risk of damage to crew, anchor, machinery, and hull.
This incident highlights the importance of controlled anchoring methods and strict compliance with standard operating procedures to avoid unnecessary risks.
Key Issues relating to this report
Pressure – The approach to an anchorage often creates time pressure. The first mate may have felt rushed to “get the anchor ready” before the vessel reached the drop position, increasing the likelihood of an error.
Complacency – Anchor preparation is a routine task. Familiarity with the operation can reduce vigilance, particularly regarding the risk of premature release while the vessel is still making way.
Lack of Communication – There appears to have been no clear confirmation between the bridge and forecastle on vessel speed, readiness, or the command to let go. This is a critical barrier that failed.
Lack of Teamwork – Safe anchoring depends on coordinated actions between the bridge and the deck. The incident suggests the operation was not being managed as a shared task with clearly defined roles and checks.
Distraction – The premature release may indicate the first mate’s attention was divided, possibly by concurrent tasks, environmental factors, or monitoring the vessel’s approach.
Lack of Situational Awareness – Releasing the anchor while the vessel was still making 10 knots shows a breakdown in awareness of vessel speed and the consequences of letting go at that moment.
Key Takeaways
“Rushing routine work leads to accidents—slow down, focus, and follow the steps.”
Regulators – This incident demonstrates how routine anchoring operations can become dangerous when workload and time pressure are poorly managed. It emphasises the need for regulatory focus on how procedures are practically applied during arrival phases, not just their existence.
Managers – The event highlights the risk of starting safety-critical tasks too early under perceived time pressure. Managers should ensure anchoring procedures, training, and supervision clearly align with vessel speed, task sequencing, and workload during approaches.
Crew – This incident shows how rushing and distraction during routine tasks can cause unintended outcomes. It highlights the importance of avoiding time pressure, staying aware, and ensuring conditions are safe before handling.