USCG Exam PracticeAnchoring and mooring operations
An anchor holds best when the pull on the shank is horizontal. Which factor most directly produces this horizontal pull when using chain rode?
- A. The weight of the anchor itself resting on the bottom
- ✓ The catenary, or sag, of the heavy chain lying on the bottomCorrect
- C. The swivel preventing chain twist at the anchor crown
- D. The chain stopper transferring load from the wildcat to the hull
Why B is correct
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. Holding power comes from the flukes biting the ground, not the anchor's weight alone.
Cited:NAVEDTRA 14343 §4-2