USCG Exam PracticeAnchoring and mooring operations
When preparing to let go the anchor, the vessel is maneuvered so she has a slight sternway at the chosen position. Why is this preferable to letting go with headway on?
- A. Sternway ensures the flukes trip downward immediately upon contact with the bottom, regardless of bottom type
- ✓ Letting go with headway can cause the chain to run out too fast and part, or drag the anchor before it setsCorrect
- C. Sternway allows the windlass to control the rate of run more effectively than the brake alone
- D. Letting go with headway causes the chain to pile up under the hawsepipe, fouling the wildcat
Why B is correct
NAVEDTRA 14343 §4-4 states that letting go with too much headway can cause the chain to run out too fast and part, or drag the anchor. The vessel is maneuvered to be nearly stopped or have a slight sternway so the chain runs out in a controlled manner and the anchor has the opportunity to set as the vessel falls back.
Cited:NAVEDTRA 14343 §4-4