USCG Exam PracticeAnchoring and mooring operations
What is the primary purpose of the chain stopper on the forecastle?
- A. To mark the number of shots of chain veered
- B. To connect the anchor chain to the anchor
- ✓ To take the riding strain off the windlass while the vessel rides to her anchorCorrect
- D. To prevent the anchor from running out too fast when let go
Why C is correct
The chain stopper — a pelican hook or riding pawl — takes the strain off the windlass while the ship rides to her anchor. The wildcat brake is used to control the rate of run when letting go, not the stopper.