Short course300 h · Online · 5 modules

Windlasses, Capstans and Anchoring Equipment Course

This course teaches you to size, install and maintain the anchoring gear of leisure boats: vertical and horizontal windlasses, capstans, gypsies, chain and anchors. You will learn to diagnose faults in motors, gearboxes and control circuits methodically and safely.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules5
Program diagnosis

Prior knowledge check

These are the skills this program gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.

Your diagnosis
6of 6 to cover

You are starting from scratch in this subject. The program is designed precisely for that.

About the program

What is the Windlasses, Capstans and Anchoring Equipment Course?

This short course teaches you to size, install and maintain the anchoring gear of leisure boats: vertical and horizontal windlasses, capstans, gypsies, chain and anchors. You will choose anchor, chain and windlass according to boat length and weight, install equipment with deck reinforcement, sealing and correct wiring, lubricate clutches and inspect gearboxes, diagnose motor, solenoid and remote control faults step by step, and check chain, shackles and swivels for wear.

What sets this course apart: a complete view of the anchoring system, from the anchor to the control panel; electrical diagnosis, covering voltage drops, solenoids, relays and protection; real mechanics, with the stripping of gearboxes, clutches and gypsies; applied standards, with ISO 7840, ISO 10133 and ABYC as study references; and a practical case in which you plan the complete changeover of a windlass.

Program typeShort course
ModeOnline
Duration300 hours
Modules5
Start1 December

Program highlights

  • Complete view: the whole anchoring system, from anchor to control panel.
  • Electrical diagnosis: voltage drops, solenoids, relays and protection.
  • Real mechanics: stripping gearboxes, clutches and gypsies.
  • Applied standards: ISO 7840, ISO 10133 and ABYC as study references.
  • Ground tackle: anchor types, calibrated chain grades and scope.
  • Practical case: planning the complete changeover of a windlass.
Syllabus

Syllabus of the Windlasses, Capstans and Anchoring Equipment Course

5 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Fundamentals of the anchoring system

  • 1.1. Components of the anchor line: anchor, chain, rope, shackles, swivels and chain stopper
  • 1.2. Types of anchor (plow, Delta, Bruce, Rocna, Danforth) and their behavior on different seabeds
  • 1.3. Calculating anchoring load according to length, boat weight and expected wind and current
  • 1.4. Calibrated chain: G30, G40 and G70 grades, pitch, diameter and compatibility with the gypsy
  • 1.5. Scope and selection of minimum lengths of chain and mixed rode
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 2

Windlasses and capstans: types and mechanics

  • 2.1. Vertical and horizontal windlasses: advantages, space below deck and chain path
  • 2.2. Drum and warping head capstans for rope handling and mooring on larger boats
  • 2.3. Gear and worm-drive gearboxes: gear ratio, pulling torque and lubrication
  • 2.4. Cone clutches, band brakes and controlled free-fall of the anchor
  • 2.5. Gypsies, chain strippers and guides: identifying wear and renewing them in pairs
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 3

Electrical installation and control

  • 3.1. 12 and 24 V DC motors: rated draw, stall current and permissible duty cycle
  • 3.2. Sizing cable according to ISO 10133 and ABYC E-11 to limit voltage drop to 10%
  • 3.3. Protection: motor circuit breaker, battery isolator and fuses of the right class
  • 3.4. Relay box or reversing solenoid, foot switches and wireless remotes with chain counter
  • 3.5. Hydraulic installations: pump, directional valves and pressure control on larger yachts
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 4

Preventive maintenance and fault diagnosis

  • 4.1. Annual maintenance plan: dismantling, cleaning, greasing with marine grease and checking seals
  • 4.2. Galvanic corrosion between aluminum, bronze and stainless steel: insulation and prevention
  • 4.3. Motor diagnosis: brushes, commutator, windings and armature with a multimeter and clamp meter
  • 4.4. Locating faults in solenoids, relays and controls: measuring voltages under load
  • 4.5. Inspecting chain, galvanizing, shackles and pins; criteria for retiring worn components
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 5

Practical case: complete windlass changeover

  • 5.1. Initial assessment of the boat, the existing equipment and the condition of the anchor locker
  • 5.2. Selecting the new windlass, gypsy and chain according to the calculated working load
  • 5.3. Mounting template, deck reinforcement with a backing plate and sealing with polyurethane sealant
  • 5.4. Running the power and control circuit, protection and current draw tests during operation
  • 5.5. Sea trials, handover to the owner and a technical report with a maintenance plan
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Windlasses, Capstans and Anchoring Equipment Course

It is 300 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.

4 h30 h
With 12 h per week
6
months to finish
25 weeks
weeks in total

This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.

Faculty

Academic leadership and faculty

The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.

Dra. Marina AlcoverDr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Ing. Diego CifuentesEng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerDr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dra. Nuria LlobregatDr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Ing. Javier BañulsEng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Ing. Sofía MarquinaEng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Ing. Tomás RieraEng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration Coordinator
Objectives

Objectives of the Windlasses, Capstans and Anchoring Equipment Course

01Size the anchor line.
02Identify windlass types.
03Design the electrical circuit.
04Diagnose motor faults.
05Plan annual maintenance.
06Carry out a complete changeover.
Careers

Career opportunities after the Windlasses, Capstans and Anchoring Equipment Course

01Deck equipment technicianshipyards and marine repair workshops.
02Marine electricianinstallation of windlasses and power circuits.
03Marina maintenance techniciantechnical service in leisure ports.
04Technical adviser in a chandlerysales and sizing of anchoring equipment.
05Maintenance deckhandcare of equipment on yachts and charter fleets.
Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Windlasses, Capstans and Anchoring Equipment Course

Yes. Although the focus is on the 12 and 24 V electric windlasses most common on leisure craft, one sub-module covers hydraulic installations, their pumps, valves and pressure control.

Yes. The course covers calibrated chain grades, pitch and diameter, and how to check compatibility with the gypsy to avoid jumping and premature wear.

Basic notions of voltage, current and using a multimeter are helpful. Module 3 reviews cable sizing and the necessary protection before moving on to diagnosis.

You plan the complete changeover of a windlass: assessment, equipment selection, mounting, electrical circuit and testing, ending with a technical report for the owner.

Module 1 explains scope and how to choose minimum lengths of chain or mixed rode according to depth, wind and the type of seabed.

The course is taught online and comprises 300 hours of study across 5 modules of about 60 hours each and ends with an applied practical case.

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Online admission

Admission process

No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.

Entry requirements
  • Profile: aimed at mechanics, electricians and deckhands who want to specialize in deck equipment, and owners who wish to maintain their own anchoring gear.
  • Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
  • Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a camera for live sessions and project presentations.
  • Admission: enrollment is open all year round; online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
  1. 01
    Application
    Your details, background and documents.
  2. 02
    Instant review
    We check that everything is complete and in order.
  3. 03
    Enrollment
    Choose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Start my applicationFrom $240 deposit

Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.

Any questions?

Ask us before you enroll

Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.

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