Which component operates independently when the wildcat lever is disengaged?

The capstan operates independently when the wildcat lever is disengaged because it is designed to perform its function without being mechanically linked to the wildcat. A capstan typically serves as a rotating drum to handle mooring lines, and it can be operated using a separate mechanism. This allows the deck crew to control line tension and manage the mooring process without affecting the operation of the wildcat, which is specifically designed for hoisting and lowering the anchor chain.

In contrast, the gearbox, windlass, and anchor have functions closely tied to mechanisms that typically engage or disengage together with the wildcat lever. The windlass, for instance, functions both to raise or lower the anchor and is often linked directly to the wildcat. Therefore, when the wildcat is disengaged, the overall operation of the windlass might also be interrupted, unlike the capstan that can continue to function independently.