Anchor Rode

The complete connection between a vessel and its anchor, made from chain, rope or both.

An anchor rode may be all chain, all rope, or rope joined to a chain leader. Its size, material, length, elasticity and connections must suit the vessel, anchoring depth, seabed, wind, waves and current.

Adequate scope helps the anchor pull at a favourable angle, while chain weight and rope stretch can absorb changing loads. Shackles, splices, bitter-end attachment, chafe points and retrieval equipment are part of the system and require inspection.