Overview
ISO 16556:2014 - Large yachts - Deck equipment - Anchoring equipments defines requirements for the layout, design and installation of anchoring equipment for large yachts (length L ≥ 24 m as per ISO 8666:2002). The standard covers windlasses, cable-lifters, chain stoppers and associated installation, testing, labelling and documentation needed to ensure safe anchoring operations on pleasure and commercial large yachts.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and terminology: Defines working load, nominal sizes (NS), equipment number (EN), sloping angle (α), winding angle (β) and deviation angle (γ).
- Cable-lifter (snugs and winding):
- Minimum of five snugs, with at least three engaged simultaneously during operation.
- Winding angle (β) should be as large as possible (guidance: ideally near 180°); smaller β requires more snugs and coordination with the windlass manufacturer.
- Windlass design and safety:
- Must allow safe chain separation and, if no chain stopper is fitted, withstand 80% of the chain breaking load.
- Brake systems: manual, automatic (hydraulic/pneumatic), manual levers and backup energy source enabling three consecutive offline operations are described.
- Testing and performance: Manufacturer to determine applicable tests referencing ISO 7825 and ISO 4568.
- Remote control (optional): Video monitoring of cable line and lifter, anchor position display (chain paid out/hauling), clutch/brake controls and PA/intercom for two‑way communication.
- Installation & documentation: Manuals must include bolting, max sloping angle (α), min winding angle (β), max deviation (γ), wiring/hydraulic diagrams, deck cut‑out details, required engaged snugs, maintenance and torque values.
- Labelling: Permanent metallic plate with manufacturer name/address, NS code, number of snugs, max α and β, power source, continuous pull/speed (kN and rpm) and serial number.
- Chain stoppers:
- Installed between windlass and hawse pipe to relieve windlass.
- Designed to avoid chain deformation and accidental engagement.
- Must withstand 80% of minimum breaking strength of the chain without permanent deformation (if no stopper, windlass must meet this requirement).
Applications and who uses it
ISO 16556:2014 is used by:
- Yacht designers and naval architects specifying anchoring systems for vessels ≥24 m
- Manufacturers of windlasses, cable-lifters, chain stoppers and deck equipment
- Shipyards and installers performing deck equipment installation and commissioning
- Classification societies and surveyors assessing compliance
- Owners/operators and maintenance teams for safe operation and documentation
Related standards
Normative references included in ISO 16556:2014:
Keywords: ISO 16556:2014, large yachts, anchoring equipment, windlass, cable lifter, chain stopper, deck equipment, anchor chain, installation requirements, marine standards.