Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Course · 300 h · 5 modules
Safe Anchoring Practice Course
courseThis course prepares you to execute efficient and safe anchoring maneuvers in a variety of conditions. Learn to assess risks, select the appropriate anchorage, and use equipment correctly, minimizing incidents and…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts21 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Safe Anchoring Practice Course?
course
This course prepares you to execute efficient and safe anchoring maneuvers in a variety of conditions. Learn to assess risks, select the appropriate anchorage, and use equipment correctly, minimizing incidents and protecting the marine environment. This course is essential for captains, officers, and seamen who wish to refine their skills and ensure safety in their operations.
Differential Advantages
- Risk Assessment: Identification of hazards and preventive measures in the anchoring process.
- Anchorage Site Selection: Analysis of nautical charts, currents, winds, and seabed type.
- Anchoring and Weighing Techniques: Correct use of the anchor, chain, and winch in different scenarios.
- Emergency Procedures: Actions to take in case of equipment failure, anchor dragging, and adverse weather conditions.
- Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of national and international regulations on safe anchoring.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
09-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Advanced Techniques: Master the safest and most efficient anchoring practices to protect your vessel.
- Equipment Selection: Learn to choose the right anchor, chain, and lines for every condition and type of seabed.
- Risk Assessment: Identify and mitigate potential hazards while anchoring, including tides, currents, and weather conditions.
- Emergency Maneuvers: Be prepared to act in unforeseen situations, such as dragging anchor or breakage of anchoring equipment.
- Legislation and Best Practices: Understand the regulations and recommendations for responsible and environmentally friendly anchoring.
- Ensure the integrity of your vessel and the safety of your crew with flawless anchoring.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of safe anchoring, boat stability and risk prevention
- Anchoring concept and differences between temporary anchoring, night anchoring, emergency anchoring, mooring a buoy and docking
- Anchor, chain, cape, windlass, cleats, sheave, shackles and joining elements of the Anchoring system
- Frequent Hazards: Cracking, Collision, Anchor Loss, Bottom Damage, Corporal Tangle, Bad Distance, and Wind Changes
- Relationship between depth, background, meteorology, current, radius of terminal, anchor weight and safety of the boat
- Skipper, crew and passenger responsibilities during the Anchoring manoeuvre
02
Anchoring place selection, environment reading and condition assessment
- Identification of permitted zones, restricted zones, navigation channels, protected areas, cables, pipes and sensitive bottoms
- Depth evaluation, background type, slope, shelter, waves, current, wind and space available for Borneo
- Reading of nautical charts, plotter, probe, coastal references, buoys, signals and local warnings
- Safety distance against other boats, coast, rocks, bathers, buoys, ports and passing zones
- Criteria for choosing, changing or abandoning an anchorage in unsafe conditions
03
Anchoring equipment, preparation, basic sizing and preventive maintenance
- Types of anchors: plow, Danforth, Bruce, Rocna, grapnel, Light anchors and selection criteria according to boat and bottom
- Chain, Cape, Mixed Combination, Shackles, Cabin Guard, Carabiners, Shock Absorbers and Safety Elements
- Basic sizing according to length overall, weight, expected wind, depth, depth type, and width duration
- Pre-review of reel, brake, chunky, electrical connections, chain stowage, length markings and end fixing
- Maintenance of anchor, chain, ropes, hardware, rust, wear, deformations, friction and loading points
04
Anchoring manoeuvre, long, grip check and surveillance during stay
- Preparation of the manoeuvre with roles, communication, reduced speed, approach to the point and control of the bow
- Anchor length, chain quantity or cape, width ratio, smooth reverse and progressive settlement
- Grip check using visual references, probe, GPS, chain tension, vibration and behaviour of the boat
- Borneo radio control, wind, current, tides, traffic and boats nearby
- Using anchoring alarms, letter marks, coastal references, surveillance shifts and position registration
05
Secure Anchoring Practices Applied Project
- Case Definition: Daytime Anchoring, Night Anchoring, Protected Cove, Open Bay, Emergency, Recreational Boat or Tourist Outing
- Diagnosis of the anchorage with depth, background, shelter, wind, current, tides, restrictions and risks close
- Selection of the Anchoring equipment, chain length or cape, crew roles, communication and manoeuvre preparation
- Design of the start procedure, grip check, surveillance, alarms, terminal radio and abandonment criteria
- Elabouration of the plan to carry anchor, respond to garreo, hill anchor, change of time and protection of the seafloor
Workload
Study Time and Workload
300 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Captains and Bridge Officers seeking to perfect their techniques for planning and executing safe anchorages, minimizing risks and optimizing time.Fleet Superintendents and Managers interested in reducing anchorage-related incidents, improving the safety of their vessels, and complying with regulations.ISM/ISPS Auditors who need a in-depth understanding of anchorage procedures to conduct effect
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Select and use the anchoring equipment correctly
- 02Evaluate environmental and seabed conditions for optimal anchoring
- 03Maneuver the vessel precisely for safe anchoring and retrieval
- 04Reacting effectively to emergency situations while anchoring
- 05Inspect and maintain the anchoring equipment to ensure its proper functioning
- 06Interpreting current regulations on anchoring and their application in different areas
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Deck/Bridge Seaman: Safe execution of anchoring maneuvers, maintenance of related equipment.
02Boatswain: Supervision and coordination of anchoring tasks, stowage management, and securing of chain/cable.
03Deck Officer: Planning and supervision of anchoring maneuvers, risk assessment, and environmental conditions.
04Captain: Decision-making in complex anchoring maneuvers, emergency management, and regulatory compliance.
05Ship Inspector/Surveyor: Verification of compliance with safe anchoring procedures, damage and risk assessment.
06Port Terminal Personnel: Coordination with vessels during anchoring operations in the vicinity of the terminal.
07Salvage Companies Maritime: Assistance in emergency anchoring operations, recovery of lost anchors.
08Maritime Training: Instructor in safe anchoring maneuvers courses, development of practical simulations.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Anchoring is the act of securing a vessel to a fixed location in the water, either to the seabed (using an anchor) or to a fixed point such as a mooring buoy.
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
Damage to sensitive marine ecosystems, such as coral reefs and seagrass meadows.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Academic/Professional Profile:Recreational Craft Skipper (PER) or higher; or demonstrable experience in navigation and anchoring.Prior Knowledge:Basic knowledge of navigation, nautical charts, and maritime regulations.Recommended Equipment:Personal navigation equipment (compass, plotter, etc.), nautical charts of the practice area.Physical Conditions:Physical fitness compatible with outdoor activities and handling anchoring equipment.```
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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