Nautical Term: Chains
Definition of Chains
anchor chains refer to the heavy, lengths of chain that secure an anchor to the seabed. These chains are typically made of high-tensile steel and come in various sizes and weights, depending on the size of the vessel and the depth of the water. For instance, a large commercial fishing vessel might use an anchor chain that weighs several tons and measures several hundred feet in length. In practice, a vessel’s anchor is lowered to the seabed, where the anchor digs in and becomes embedded in the seabed. Once the anchor is securely in place, the anchor chain is paid out, allowing the vessel to move freely without being tethered to the seabed by the anchor.
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