Retrieval is defined as the recovery of DPA as a contingency means during the installation phase and subsequent re-installation; while removal is defined as the permanent recovery of DPA after completion of the operational phase.

Retrieval and removal of a DPA can be achieved by simply pulling the DPA exceeding its holding capacity. Since a DPA provides high holding capacity, retrieval and removal of a DPA will require a massive pull out force which is restricted by the pull out capacity from the winch / crane of the handling vessel. There are Anchor Handling Tug Vessels (AHTV) with crane / winch capacity up to 500 tones (e.g. M. V. Highland Endurance). Such AHTV would be more than sufficient to retrieve or to remove a standard DPA which having holding capacity up to 450 tones.