A powered deck machine used to heave in or pay out anchor chain and sometimes mooring lines.
In practice
Operation of the windlass requires close co-ordination between the bridge officer conn and the anchor party on the fo'c'sle. The operator must control the rate at which chain runs out when letting go, avoiding excessive speed that can cause an uncontrolled runaway, and must heave in at a pace that does not overload the motor or break out the anchor prematurely. Regular maintenance under the planned maintenance system covers greasing of bearings and gypsy shafts, inspection of brake linings, and testing of all controls. Classification society rules and SOLAS II-1 require that anchoring equipment is maintained in efficient working condition at all times.
Regulatory detail & full definition
A windlass is a powered deck machine designed primarily to heave in or pay out anchor chain by rotating a sprocket wheel called a gypsy or wildcat that engages the chain links. Most windlasses also incorporate warping drums to handle mooring lines, and some are fitted with mooring winch heads. The machinery is driven by electric or electro-hydraulic motors and is controlled from local deck panels, with the brake and clutch being the critical manual controls the operator must understand thoroughly.
Operation of the windlass requires close co-ordination between the bridge officer conn and the anchor party on the fo'c'sle. The operator must control the rate at which chain runs out when letting go, avoiding excessive speed that can cause an uncontrolled runaway, and must heave in at a pace that does not overload the motor or break out the anchor prematurely. Regular maintenance under the planned maintenance system covers greasing of bearings and gypsy shafts, inspection of brake linings, and testing of all controls. Classification society rules and SOLAS II-1 require that anchoring equipment is maintained in efficient working condition at all times.