AB Anchoring and Mooring Operations 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When anchoring a vessel, the general rule for determining how much chain (scope) to pay out in calm weather is:
- 1.5 times the depth of water
- 3 times the depth of water
- 5 to 7 times the depth of water (Correct answer)
- 10 times the depth of water
Correct answer: 5 to 7 times the depth of water
A scope of 5 to 7 times the water depth is standard for calm conditions, providing adequate catenary to absorb shock loads.
Question 2: What is the purpose of the 'bitter end' of an anchor chain?
- It is the shackle connecting the chain to the anchor
- It is the end of the chain secured to the vessel's chain locker (Correct answer)
- It marks the midpoint of the anchor chain
- It is the pelican hook used for quick release
Correct answer: It is the end of the chain secured to the vessel's chain locker
The bitter end is the inboard end of the anchor chain that is secured to the ship's structure inside the chain locker.
Question 3: When veering anchor chain, what does the term 'veering' mean?
- Heaving the anchor chain in
- Letting the anchor chain run out (Correct answer)
- Stopping the chain at a specific length
- Securing the chain with a stopper
Correct answer: Letting the anchor chain run out
Veering means paying out or letting the anchor chain run out through the hawsepipe.
Question 4: A 'Mediterranean moor' is a procedure where the vessel:
- Anchors with two bower anchors off the bow
- Drops anchor forward and backs stern to a pier or quay (Correct answer)
- Moors alongside using breast lines only
- Anchors in a circular pattern with spring lines
Correct answer: Drops anchor forward and backs stern to a pier or quay
A Mediterranean moor involves anchoring with the bower anchor and backing the stern to a berth, commonly used in ports with limited space.
Question 5: Which part of an anchor provides the primary holding power by digging into the seabed?
- Shank
- Crown
- Flukes (Correct answer)
- Stock
Correct answer: Flukes
The flukes are the flat, blade-like parts of an anchor that penetrate and grip the seabed to hold the vessel.
Question 6: When a vessel is described as 'dragging anchor,' it means the anchor is:
- Being slowly raised to the hawsepipe
- Failing to hold and sliding along the bottom (Correct answer)
- Caught on an underwater obstruction
- Hanging vertically without touching the bottom
Correct answer: Failing to hold and sliding along the bottom
Dragging anchor means the anchor is not holding; it is sliding along the seabed and the vessel is moving unintentionally.
Question 7: What is the function of an anchor windlass?
- It steers the vessel during anchoring operations
- It is the mechanical device used to heave in or veer anchor chain (Correct answer)
- It monitors anchor chain tension electronically
- It deploys emergency mooring lines
Correct answer: It is the mechanical device used to heave in or veer anchor chain
The windlass is a deck machinery device with a chain lifter (wildcat/gypsy) used to heave in or pay out anchor chain.
AB Anchoring and Mooring Operations 1
When anchoring a vessel, the general rule for determining how much chain (scope) to pay out in calm weather is: