What is the purpose of a wildcat on a ship?

The purpose of a wildcat on a ship is to raise and lower the anchor chain. The wildcat is a specific type of winch that is equipped with notched rollers (or drums) designed to grip the anchor chain securely. As the winch turns, it engages the chain and permits the crew to either heave in (raise) or pay out (lower) the anchor chain as needed during anchoring or weighing anchor operations. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for effective anchoring procedures, as it directly affects the ship's ability to secure itself in designated areas or maneuver when preparing to depart.

Navigating, measuring water depth, and storing fuel are unrelated to the function of a wildcat and are managed by different systems and equipment on board the vessel.