Pay Out

To release rope, chain, cable or wire progressively under control.

Paying out increases the deployed length of an anchor rode, mooring line, towline, cable or similar item. The operation may use hands, a brake, winch, windlass, drum or capstan according to the load and equipment.

Control is the defining feature: a freely running line can accelerate, kink, override or run out completely. Crew should remain clear of bights, pinch points and snap-back zones and understand the stopper, brake and end-securing arrangements before release.