Got questions or would just like to talk AnchorGuardian?
Anchor monitoring raises practical questions for captains, chief engineers, technical managers, shipyards and owners. Below are answers to the most common questions about AnchorGuardian, from how direct anchor monitoring differs from a conventional GPS anchor alarm to installation, integration, anchor watch and day-to-day operation.
An anchor monitoring system provides information about what is happening at the anchor and chain while a vessel is anchoring or at anchor. Unlike conventional position-based anchor alarms that primarily monitor vessel movement, AnchorGuardian monitors the anchoring arrangement directly and provides real-time information about anchor and chain behaviour.
AnchorGuardian is a real-time anchor monitoring system for professional vessels and superyachts. It provides data about the physical behaviour of the anchor and chain during the complete anchoring process, from laying the anchor through anchor watch to lifting it again.
A conventional GPS anchor alarm generally monitors the position of the vessel and triggers an alarm when the vessel moves outside a defined area.
AnchorGuardian monitors the anchor itself. It can therefore identify anchor movement independently of normal vessel movement around the anchor and provide proactive information about what is happening below the surface rather than relying solely on the position of the yacht.
AnchorGuardian monitors the anchor and anchoring arrangement directly. Information from the anchor is transmitted acoustically to the vessel and can then be displayed on the bridge or other selected interfaces.
AnchorGuardian's core anchor monitoring does not depend on the yacht moving or crossing a GPS-defined boundary before anchor movement can be identified. Its anchor-side measurements and underwater communication are independent of conventional vessel-position anchor alarms.
Anchor information can nevertheless be integrated into the vessel's navigation displays.
AnchorGuardian monitors movement at the anchor rather than waiting for the yacht to move outside a predefined position circle. This means the crew can receive information about anchor movement directly, including displacement and velocity, rather than relying only on subsequent vessel movement.
No. AnchorGuardian does not replace the captain, crew or established anchor-watch procedures. It provides an additional source of real-time information about the anchor and chain to support professional judgement and watchkeeping.
No. AnchorGuardian is a monitoring and decision-support system. It does not control the windlass, deploy or retrieve the anchor, or make anchoring decisions for the crew.
The captain remains responsible for the anchoring operation and for deciding what action to take in response to the information provided.
Each installation is quoted individually because configuration depends on chain size, number of anchors, charging solution, integration and vessel-specific installation requirements.
Depending on the stage of the anchoring operation, AnchorGuardian provides information including:
AnchorGuardian provides sub-metre anchor monitoring accuracy.
Yes. Anchor position is monitored continuously and can be displayed on any GPS plotter or ECDIS connected to AIS.
This differs from estimating anchor position solely from the yacht's GPS position, heading and amount of chain deployed.
Yes. Chain behaviour is part of the information monitored by AnchorGuardian, including chain angle and the amount of chain lying on the seabed.
This gives the bridge additional information about the physical state of the anchoring arrangement.
Yes. Anchor force is monitored in real time and forms part of the information available to the captain and crew.
Yes. Anchor orientation and chain or anchor angle form part of the information available during the anchoring process.
AnchorGuardian monitors the anchor directly for movement. If movement occurs, the system can provide information including anchor displacement and velocity and generate the appropriate alerts or alarms according to the configured settings.
Yes. During deployment, AnchorGuardian provides depth information and identifies when the anchor reaches the seabed. It then continues to provide information about anchor orientation, scope, position and more as the anchor is set.
Yes. During retrieval, the system provides information including when the anchor leaves the sediment and when the vessel is free to manoeuvre. It also identifies subsequent stages such as the anchor coming into sight, leaving the water and being stowed.
AnchorGuardian monitors the physical behaviour and movement of the anchor directly. Anchor movement, displacement, velocity, force and chain behaviour provide information about what is happening below the surface without relying on movement of the yacht.
An alert provides an earlier indication that a situation is developing and deserves attention.
An alarm is triggered when the relevant captain-defined alarm threshold is reached.
The purpose is to provide useful information before a developing situation necessarily becomes an urgent one while keeping the captain in control of how the system is configured.
Yes. Alarm settings remain under the captain's control. AnchorGuardian provides the data and monitoring capability, while the captain determines the operational thresholds appropriate for the vessel and circumstances.
No. Yacht swing by itself does not trigger an anchor-drag alarm. An alarm is only triggered if the anchor moves beyond the dragging-distance threshold set by the captain.
Because AnchorGuardian monitors the anchor directly, normal vessel movement around a stationary anchor is not treated as anchor drag.
AnchorGuardian provides information such as anchor orientation, force, chain behaviour, anchor position and holding information as the anchor is laid and set.
This gives the captain additional objective information with which to assess the set. It does not replace the captain's established setting procedure or judgement.
AnchorGuardian retains the last recorded position of the anchor on the GPS plotter/ECDIS. This can provide a valuable reference point when attempting to locate and recover a lost anchor.
No. AnchorGuardian is designed to work with the vessel's normal anchoring procedures.
The anchor is deployed and retrieved in the usual way. AnchorGuardian adds information about what is happening below the surface; it does not require the captain to adopt a new anchoring technique.
During deployment, AnchorGuardian provides information including anchor depth, when the anchor reaches the seabed, anchor position, orientation and scope.
During anchor watch, available information includes anchor force, chain angle, chain on the seabed, anchor displacement, movement velocity, holding information, predictions and alerts or alarms.
During retrieval, AnchorGuardian provides information about anchor position, when the anchor leaves the seabed, when the vessel is free to manoeuvre, when the anchor comes into sight, when it leaves the water and when it is stowed.
Yes. AnchorGuardian information can be made available on a smartphone or tablet connected through the yacht's onboard Wi-Fi, allowing the captain to view anchoring information away from the bridge.
This does not remove the requirement for an appropriate anchor watch.
Not at present. AnchorGuardian can currently be monitored on compatible onboard displays and mobile devices connected through the yacht's onboard system.
Remote monitoring when away from the yacht is planned as part of a future development of the AnchorGuardian app.
Yes. A yacht operating with two anchors can use an additional anchor module, charging ring and acoustic modem integrated into the onboard AnchorGuardian system.
Yes. AnchorGuardian can be used in Mediterranean stern-to anchoring operations. The system can also accommodate vessels operating with two monitored anchors, whether deployed from the bow or stern.
Yes. AnchorGuardian is designed for both retrofit installations and new-build vessels.
Every retrofit begins with an assessment of the existing anchoring arrangement and vessel configuration so that the system can be matched to the yacht.
Yes. AnchorGuardian can be incorporated into a new-build project as well as installed during a refit or scheduled maintenance period.
Early involvement allows the system architecture, transducer, charging solution and bridge integration to be coordinated with the wider build.
AnchorGuardian is designed for yachts with anchor chain from 12.5 mm (½ inch) upwards, which typically means yachts of around 24 metres and above. Smaller yachts, including vessels with 10 mm chain, may also be suitable if there is sufficient space within the anchor arrangement to accommodate the system. Suitability therefore depends more on the vessel’s anchoring arrangement and available installation space than on yacht length alone.
AnchorGuardian is currently offered as a standard solution for anchor-chain sizes from 12.5 mm (½ inch) upwards. Yachts with 10 mm chain may also be suitable where there is sufficient space within the anchoring arrangement to accommodate the system. The appropriate configuration is assessed according to the vessel’s chain dimensions and anchoring arrangement.
Yes, subject to the supported chain dimensions and the vessel-specific AnchorGuardian configuration.
Chain diameter matters because each system must be correctly matched and calibrated to the anchoring arrangement.
AnchorGuardian has been class certified as an anchor swivel and replaces the functionality of the existing swivel.
Whether an existing swivel is removed or the anchoring arrangement requires another configuration should be assessed as part of the vessel-specific installation planning.
Yes. Current system configurations provide installation options for steel, aluminium, GRP and carbon hulls.
Yes. Charging and installation configurations have been developed for both bow-roller and hawse-pipe arrangements.
The appropriate configuration is selected according to the yacht's existing anchor stowage geometry.
A through-hull acoustic transducer is one installation option and is commonly integrated during a scheduled yard or drydock period.
AnchorGuardian also provides a deployable transducer configuration as an alternative for suitable installations. The best solution depends on the vessel architecture.
AnchorGuardian is designed for anchoring depths of up to 100 metres.
Installation begins with a technical assessment of the yacht's anchoring arrangement, including the hawse pipe or anchor pocket, chain specification, hull configuration and required onboard integration.
AnchorGuardian then coordinates the installation with the yacht, shipyard and relevant technical specialists through commissioning, calibration and handover.
The physical installation is typically completed during a scheduled maintenance period and currently takes approximately two days, depending on the yacht and configuration.
Project planning, technical assessment, engineering preparation and any required yard work take place separately.
For a standard through-hull transducer installation, the work is coordinated with an appropriate yard or drydock period.
A deployable transducer option is also available for suitable configurations and may provide an alternative with less structural impact. The installation approach should be determined during the technical assessment. The deployable transducer does not require installation during a drydock period.
The technical team will need information about the yacht and its anchoring arrangement, including items such as:
Detailed vessel-specific requirements are established during the technical assessment.
AnchorGuardian works with shipyards, vessel teams and specialist installation partners. AnchorGuardian can coordinate the overall installation or integrate into an existing shipyard/refit project structure.
Yes. Commissioning includes calibration of the system, testing communication between the anchor-side and vessel-side components and confirming the required onboard interfaces.
The process concludes with system handover and familiarisation for the captain and crew.
Yes. The current installation process includes hands-on onboarding and sea trials so that captains and crew understand the information being displayed and how it fits into their existing anchoring procedures.
Yes. Vessel-specific technical documentation can include data sheets, configuration drawings and the installation and user manual.
Documentation is matched to the relevant vessel and installation rather than relying only on generic drawings.
Lead time depends on several factors, including current production capacity, module type and availability, the yacht's anchoring arrangement, the planned yard or drydock period and the time of year.
We therefore assess installation timing individually for each yacht rather than quoting a fixed lead time.
Where necessary, the project can sometimes be phased around the vessel's schedule. For example, installation work that requires access during drydock may be completed while the yacht is in the yard, with other system components following according to production availability.
We recommend contacting AnchorGuardian as early as possible when planning a refit, yard period or new-build installation.
The core system includes:
AnchorGuardian information can then be provided through a dedicated display, integrated bridge systems and compatible smartphones or tablets.
The anchor module and boat transducer communicate acoustically underwater.
This allows information from the anchor to be transmitted to the yacht and vice-versa while the anchor is deployed.
Yes. AnchorGuardian supports NMEA 2000 integration as part of its interface with compatible onboard bridge electronics.
Yes. AnchorGuardian data can be integrated into compatible bridge systems, including ECDIS and chartplotter environments.
A standalone display is also available as an alternative configuration.
Yes. AnchorGuardian information can be displayed on smartphones and tablets connected to the yacht’s onboard network. A dedicated AnchorGuardian app, including remote access when away from the yacht, is planned for a future upgrade.
The anchor-to-vessel communication itself is acoustic and takes place underwater, so the core measurement and communication between the anchor module and yacht do not rely on an internet connection.
The boat transducer and the bridge display are optimally connected via a RS-422 cable, with Bluetooth also available.
The anchor module contains its own power supply and is automatically recharged wirelessly when the anchor is returned to its stowed position.
The charging system can be configured for the yacht's anchoring arrangement.
Current AnchorGuardian charging configurations support 230 Vac, 110 Vac or 24 Vdc power sources.
Battery life depends on the AnchorGuardian module size. When fully charged, the D12 provides approximately 24 hours of operation, the D16 approximately 48 hours, and the D22 longer operating time. Sleep mode can be used with all module sizes to extend battery life when appropriate.
A typical recharge takes approximately 3–7 hours, although the actual charging time depends on the vessel and installation.
Factors include how depleted the battery is when charging begins, the available power supply, the thickness and construction of the hawse pipe, and the charging configuration used on the yacht.
AnchorGuardian charging solutions can be configured either inside or outside the hawse pipe depending on the vessel's anchoring arrangement and technical requirements.
AnchorGuardian communicates between the anchor module and the yacht approximately every three seconds. If a transmission is temporarily interrupted, subsequent data transmissions resume the information flow and update values such as anchor position and dragging distance.
If communication is lost—for example, if the anchor becomes deeply embedded in the seabed—the captain is notified by an alarm that current AnchorGuardian information is unavailable.
This does not affect the yacht’s anchoring equipment or the anchoring operation itself. AnchorGuardian is a monitoring system, not a control system, so the captain and crew simply continue with their normal anchoring and anchor-watch procedures until communication is restored.
The anchor-module battery level is displayed as part of the AnchorGuardian system, allowing the crew to monitor the remaining charge.
If the battery becomes fully depleted, the anchor module stops transmitting information and AnchorGuardian can no longer provide current anchor data until the module is recharged.
There is no resulting effect on the yacht's anchoring equipment. AnchorGuardian does not control the anchor or windlass, so the captain and crew simply continue using their normal anchoring and anchor-watch procedures.
Yes. AnchorGuardian has undergone certification with Lloyd's Register.
Individual AnchorGuardian anchor modules are tested and certified, with each installed unit receiving its own Lloyd's certification marking.
Yes. AnchorGuardian has moved from certification of the design and testing programme to individual certification of anchor modules, with units individually tested and approved.
Yes, where AnchorGuardian is being installed on a classed yacht, the installation involves the relevant classification society and class survey requirements.
The anchor module is engineered as part of the anchoring arrangement and is designed to meet or exceed the relevant proof-load requirements of the vessel's anchor.
The module is made of high-grade duplex steel, selected for mechanical strength and corrosion resistance in demanding marine conditions.
Under normal operation, no. The anchor module is designed to recharge wirelessly and automatically when the anchor is returned to its stowed position.
AnchorGuardian requires very little routine maintenance.
The anchor module should be regularly rinsed and cleaned as part of the yacht's normal anchor and anchoring-equipment maintenance. Accumulated salt, sediment and marine growth should be removed periodically to keep the module clean and in good condition.
AnchorGuardian is supplied with a one-year standard warranty.
Extended warranty options are also available, allowing coverage to be extended by an additional two or three years.
For the exact scope and conditions of warranty coverage, please contact the AnchorGuardian team.
AnchorGuardian works through a growing international partner network supporting installation, technical consultation and after-sales requirements in key maritime regions.
The current network includes partners serving Italy, the UK, Greece, Monaco, the Emirates and Oceania, with project support coordinated according to the yacht's location.
A dragging anchor and moving chain can disturb or damage the seabed.
By providing direct information about anchor movement and chain behaviour, AnchorGuardian can help the crew identify changing conditions earlier and make informed decisions that may limit unnecessary dragging and seabed interaction.
AnchorGuardian does not remove the captain's responsibility to choose an appropriate and legally permitted anchoring location.
AnchorGuardian is an anchor monitoring system, not a substitute for official seabed maps, navigational information or local anchoring regulations.
Captains should continue to use the relevant official charts, mapping resources, notices and local information when choosing where they may anchor. AnchorGuardian then provides information about the behaviour of the anchor and chain once the anchoring operation begins.
No. AnchorGuardian does not replace local regulations, official charts, marine protected area information or voyage planning.
Its purpose is to provide information about anchor and chain behaviour.
No.
No anchor monitoring system can guarantee that an anchor will always hold. Weather, seabed, load, vessel characteristics, anchoring technique and changing conditions all remain relevant.
AnchorGuardian provides real-time information, predictions, alerts and alarms that support earlier and better-informed decisions by the captain and crew.
Yes. AnchorGuardian logs anchoring information historically, allowing data from an anchoring event to be reviewed and extracted afterwards.
This can provide valuable evidence when reconstructing what happened during an incident and may support discussions with insurance companies, yacht managers, owners or other relevant parties.
Rather than relying solely on recollection or vessel movement after an event, the recorded information provides a data-based record of the behaviour of the anchor and anchoring arrangement.
