Question 3896 Deck General

The correct answer is A) 3 shots. To determine the maximum number of shots of chain that can be used while anchoring in the 500-yard diameter anchorage circle, you need to consider the relationship between the vessel's length overall (LOA) and the diameter of the circle. The general rule is that the length of anchor chain deployed should not exceed 5 to 7 times the depth of the water, with 6 times being the standard. In this case, with 8 fathoms (48 feet) of water depth, the maximum length of chain that should be used is 6 times the depth, which is 288 feet or 3 shots of chain (1 shot = 90 feet). The other options are incorrect because they exceed the recommended maximum chain length for the given water depth and anchorage circle size, which could result in the vessel drifting outside the designated anchorage area.