DIGGING IN
Tighten the brake when the required amount of chain is out and, if the ship still has significant sternway, put the engine ahead one last time so the chain isn't parted due to excessive sternway as the anchor fetches up. You might use hard-over rudder while kicking the engine ahead at this point, to bring the ship closer to her final heading and to keep the anchor chain clear of the stem, bulb, and any underwater gear. Remember that the rudder directs propeller thrust, and the stopping effect as the engine turns ahead is much greater if the rudder is amidships. The engine is used ahead only long enough to reduce sternway. Don't stop the ship completely.
Hold the chain and let the ship move slowly back against the anchor as the catenary caused by the chain's weight absorbs most of the force of the remaining sternway. The ship must have a bit of sternway to work against the anchor and dig the flukes well in to the bottom. Back the engine again, so the anchor is well dug in before the engines are rung off.
