Windlass

A mechanical or powered device used to raise and lower the anchor.

This equipment handles the anchor rode, which may be chain, rope or a combination of both. It reduces the physical effort needed to recover an anchor, especially on larger vessels or in deeper water. Safe use requires crew to keep hands, feet and loose clothing clear of moving chain and gypsy wheels. The anchor should still be secured independently when under way, because the device is not intended to take all loads at sea.