Discuss the anchoring plan, including the intended approach and the location for letting go, with the mate on the bow, the mate on the bridge, and, if uncommon maneuvering is involved, the engineer on watch, to be sure they all know their responsibilities as the ship is put to anchor. Be sure the mate knows:
1. Which anchor or anchors to use.
2. Whether the ship will turn to the final heading before letting go.
3. How much chain will be put out initially.
4. Direction, ahead or astern, and approximate speed of the ship
over the bottom when the anchor is let go.
5. Whether the ship will be turned on the anchor.
6. Whether the anchor should be held at short stay for maneuvering.
7. If more than one anchor is used, how those anchors will be laid out.
8. Final amount of chain to be used.
This briefing is important because neither you nor the mate nor the engineer needs any surprises. A neat, seamanlike maneuver will be spoiled if the mate slacks out too much chain when you intend to maneuver on the anchor or turn short in a crowded anchorage, or holds the chain too soon so the anchor drags and the ship is set beyond the planned anchoring spot.
