How often should "anchor watch" be performed?

Performing "anchor watch" continuously whenever the vessel is at anchor is crucial for maintaining safety and situational awareness. An anchor watch is essential to monitor the vessel's position while it is at rest to ensure that it does not drag anchor, which could lead to drifting into hazardous areas or colliding with other vessels or obstacles.

This practice allows crew members to observe the surroundings and weather conditions, respond quickly to any changes, and take necessary actions if the anchor begins to fail or if an emergency arises. By maintaining a constant watch, the crew can effectively manage risks associated with being anchored, such as changes in tidal conditions or unexpected movements in the current.

In contrast, limiting anchor watch to nighttime hours could leave the vessel vulnerable during the day when conditions can also change rapidly. Performing it only periodically during daylight or solely in poor weather conditions does not provide adequate monitoring of the vessel's stability or safety, potentially compromising the vessel and crew. Continuous anchor watch is, therefore, the most effective practice to ensure the safety and security of the vessel at anchor.