What is the purpose of the swivel in an anchor chain?

The primary purpose of the swivel in an anchor chain is to prevent kinking and twisting of the chain during operation. When an anchor is deployed and retrieved, it experiences a variety of forces that can cause the chain to twist. This twisting can lead to tangles or kinks, which can impede the proper functioning of the anchor system. The swivel allows the chain to rotate freely, thus maintaining its alignment and function while the vessel maneuvers, ensuring the anchor can deploy and hold effectively without becoming ensnared or damaged. The swivel's design inherently accommodates the movement of the vessel and the forces exerted by the water and wind.