Kotva

Kotva is a device used to anchor a vessel to the seabed, preventing drift from wind, currents, and waves. A typical anchor consists of a metal body with one or more flukes or blades, a shank, and sometimes a stock that helps orient the anchor as it digs into the bottom. The anchor is connected to the vessel by a rode, usually a chain and/or rope, which transmits load and helps maintain vertical positioning.

Across history, anchors have evolved from stones and simple hooks to purpose-built iron and steel designs. Early Mediterranean anchors featured flukes that could grip the seabed; later stockless forms became common for modern ships. The term kotva is used in several Slavic languages to denote this device.

Common types include the stockless anchor, which remains standard on many vessels; the traditional stock anchor with a transverse stock; the Danforth or fluke-style anchor, valued for holding power in soft bottoms; plow anchors designed to dig into sand or mud; and grapnel anchors with multiple prongs used for salvage or rope work.

Operational notes: to set an anchor, the vessel typically reels out the rode while moving slowly to allow the flukes to bite, then backs away or lies off to improve set. The required scope—the length of rode relative to water depth—varies by conditions, but many mariners aim for several times the water depth in sheltered waters and more in rough seas. Regular checks ensure the rode is intact, the anchor is not fouled, and the vessel remains properly positioned.

Materials and maintenance: anchors and their rode are usually steel, with galvanization or coatings to resist corrosion. Regular inspection for bent flukes, cracked shanks, and chain wear is essential, and repairs or replacements should be made as needed.