The Truth About Anchoring Huge Ships

In this video, we take a look at how an anchor is used to keep a massive ship in position.

We touch on the importance of the nature of the seabed as well as the physics of the forces involved with anchoring.

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[DestroyerMariko]

I love how YouTube teaches me random things I didn't ask for and will never use and yet I'm fascinated anyway XD

[johnscarloshow]

Imagine being a crab living on the sea floor and than this shit just crushes you

[davetir]

I never thought that a lesson in how anchors work would ever be warranted, until this video. Now anchors and anchoring systems are actually really interesting. Surprising how many things in this world you take for granted when you always think, "Well, that's self explanatory"

[ministryofwrongthink]

“It’s just the weight of the chain, not the digging”
THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING I THOUGHT I KNEW

[machich.]

I actually learned that one of the most dangerous parts of the ship can be the chain locker. Not because there is several tons of metal chain link but because the sheer amount of metal can actually deplete the oxygen in that compartment through oxydation if not properly ventilated.

[jorisd]

I had no clue it is not actually the anchor itself that holds a ship in place. Great video!
Edit: Don't go far into the comments, this for some reason has sparked quite a heated debate

[kailashbtw]

So fascinating, anchors go completely contrary to how you think they work as a child

[MasterKoala]

I’m 45, and had always thought that anchors “point” downwards and dig into the ocean floor in the same direction as they’re lowered. That notion was gained from cartoons as a child. Now it all makes sense. Thank you 🙂

[michaelhall]

When I was in the Navy we were anchored and started dragging the anchor. The OOD didn’t believe us (CIC watch) until the navigator confirmed it. He got in a bit of trouble for dragging the anchor and not believing us.

[robertboykin]

On smaller craft, I found it advisable when weather demands to take heed of foul weather/ winds/seas/ tides is to secure a heavyweight to the chain about halfway down so it will shorten the anchor scope. This will keep the anchor digging, instead of pulling up. It saved me a couple times. Good for crowded anchorages.

[yankiertem]

I was literally just refreshing on your channel hoping that something would magically appear after two months of inactivity and I am so happy right now. Keep the videos coming. I love them and I know other people do too.

[AndyHappyGuy]

I’ve always wondered how the Anchor actually manages to remain on the seabed. I knew that the Anchor was heavy, but I couldn’t understand how it could stand the weight of the entire ship pulling on it. I never realised that the chain had such an important role in that. I just thought that it was supposed to connect the anchor to the ship. Thanks for clearing up my doubts, keep up the good work!

[dogcarman]

So *that’s* where “to the bitter end” comes from! Nice. Thank you, sir.

[netherrack]

When I was about 11 I saw a naval monument that was just an anchor and part of its chain, I tried to lift one of the links and it would not move an inch. The link was about the same size as my hand, but it must have weighed at least 100 pounds. That made me understand just how gigantic these ships are, and after this video now I know that the weight of the chain is what keeps the ship in place. Great video!

[RichardShelton]

I'm 71 and just found out what "anchors aweigh" really means. Thank you!

[setharnold]

I've always wondered how ships pull up anchors if they've actually engaged the spades. I drastically underestimated the amount of chain. Thanks for the explanation.

[sumnerwaite]

As a former boatswains mate on the USS Longbeach CGN-9, good job! I disengaged the “pelican hook” also. Very cool yet dangerous

[treeguyable]

Him: Honey, you're my anchor in life. Her: Oh, so im just a chain, holding you back, dragging through the mud? Him: Uh.... ummmm, no honey.

[hermanwooster]

As a pirate, I can absolutely confirm that everything here is 100% correct.

arrrr

[danashay]

As a below-decks sailor, I always wondered about this. I believed that the weight of the chain played a bigger part, and now I know.
Very nicely done, please carry on!