Definition
An anchor watch is the continuous monitoring of a vessel's position, environmental conditions, and readiness while at anchor.
Why it matters
At exposed anchorages, failures in anchor watchkeeping can turn deteriorating weather or traffic risk into grounding or collision before the crew reacts.
Typical duties
- Monitor position and drag
- Track weather and sea-state changes
- Maintain machinery readiness where required
- Warn the master early enough for corrective action
Related incidents
Accidents linked to this concept are grouped by vessel type.