USCG Exam PracticeAnchoring and mooring operations
An anchor holds best when the pull on the shank is horizontal. Which of the following best explains why scope is critical to achieving this condition?
- A. Greater scope increases the weight of the anchor on the bottom, which drives the flukes deeper
- ✓ The catenary of the heavy chain keeps the shank pulling parallel to the bottom so the flukes stay buriedCorrect
- C. A longer rode increases the swinging circle, reducing the load on the anchor at any given moment
- D. Greater scope allows the bending shackle to orient the flukes perpendicular to the bottom
Why B is correct
With more chain out, the catenary — the sag of the heavy chain — keeps the shank pulling parallel to the bottom so the flukes stay buried. A short scope lifts the shank and can break the anchor out of the bottom.
Cited:NAVEDTRA 14343 §4-2