Coast Guard Exams
Question 3947Deck General70% to pass

The best method to stop a vessel from dragging anchor in a sand bottom is to _______________.

AI Explanation
The correct answer is D) pay out more anchor cable. When a vessel is dragging anchor in a sand bottom, the best method to stop it is to pay out more anchor cable. This increases the scope (ratio of anchor cable length to water depth) which allows the anchor to better grip the sand bottom and prevent further dragging. Reducing the cable length (A), swinging the rudder (B), or backing the engines (C) are not as effective in this situation compared to increasing the anchor cable scope.

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