Rust/corrosion has been one of the boat's and machinery's worst foes. For those operating on the vessel, it is the most difficult opponent to combat.

Iron is one of the most commonly used materials aboard the ship. Iron is found in practically every sort of gear utilized aboard, first from main structure of the vessel to the tiniest gear employed in activities.

Whenever it gets into contact with moisture, air or both, the Iron might corrode.  Iron is by far the most corrosive material. A vessel is constantly exposed to water and moisture filled breezes, making it especially prone to corrosion. The vessel's outside body is constantly in touch with water, rendering it exceedingly corrosive.

This is what makes anodes, such as the vetus thruster zinc anodes very important. They help to shield and protect other metals from corrosion. 

Anodes made of upper elements in the reactivity chart are used as cathode shielding and are mounted as metal strips. Sacrificial anodes are what they're called.

Zinc, for instance, can be used as a sacrificial anode for aluminium and iron. Zinc anodes are the most preferred and most frequently used sacrificial anodes.

SECTIONS OF AN ANODE

The Anode Insertion and the Anode Body are the two sections of the anode.

The one which acts as an anode in the electrolysis process is known as an anode body, while the other is known as an anode insert and is used to secure the anode to the primary surface using brackets, bolts, or weld. Many manufacturers produce weld-on plate zincs, for people that prefer welding as a securing process. 

The parent surface is the one that has to be guarded from corrosion. Generally, the section of the vessel that has to be guarded against corrosion is referred to as the parent surface or cathode, while the more sensitive material coating on the ship that serves as an anode is referred to as the sacrificial anode.

How do anodes work?

When an anode and a metal strip are immersed in an electrolytic solution, the anode electron dissolves and deposits on the metallic strip, transforming it into a cathode.

Seawater works as an electrolyte in the scenario of a boat, transferring ions from the anode to the steel plate by oxidizing it and forming a protective barrier.

When a metallic compound is much more reactive, it is more oxidised and acts as a cathode, protecting the metallic complex. The sacrificial anode corrodes first, risking itself for the other compound.