USCG Exam PracticeAnchoring and mooring operations
While riding to a single anchor, the forecastle watch observes the chain go suddenly slack and then jerk taut with vibration. This is most likely an indication of:
- A. The chain stopper parting under excessive load
- ✓ The anchor dragging along the bottomCorrect
- C. The swivel preventing twist from building in the chain
- D. The bitter end approaching the hawsepipe
Why B is correct
NAVEDTRA 14343 §4-2 states that a chain that suddenly goes slack then jerks taut — described as 'grumbling' or vibration felt on the chain — warns of a dragging anchor. This symptom indicates the anchor is breaking out and re-setting intermittently.
Cited:NAVEDTRA 14343 §4-2