IACS revised Unified Requirements for anchoring equipment

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has revised Unified Requirements for anchoring equipment.

This Unified Interpretations document (UR A1 Rev8 CLN) was published on 1 June 2023 and is in force from 1 July 2024.

The provided anchoring equipment is intended for the temporary mooring of a ship in a harbor or sheltered area while waiting for berth or tide.

For anchoring equipment recommendations in deep and unsheltered waters, it is advisable to refer to IACS Recommendation No. 10 'Anchoring, Mooring and Towing Equipment.'

This equipment is not designed to secure a ship in severe weather conditions or to halt a moving or drifting ship.

When subjected to such conditions, the anchoring equipment may experience increased loads that could potentially damage or result in the loss of its components, especially in large ships.

The anchoring equipment provided is specifically designed to hold a ship securely in the favorable holding ground, preventing the anchor from dragging. However, in poor holding ground, the effectiveness of the anchors is significantly diminished.

Under normal circumstances, it is assumed that a ship will utilize only one bow anchor and chain cable at a time.

The requirements for the anchoring equipment stated here apply to self-propelled vessels over 100GT, with the following exceptions: inland navigation vessels, military vessels, government ships operated for non-commercial purposes, high-speed and light crafts, and yachts.

Revision 8 of this UR (Unified Requirement) is to be universally implemented by IACS Societies for ships contracted for construction on or after 1 July 2024.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):