Coast Guard Exams
Question 4083Deck General70% to pass

In bad weather, what length of chain should be used with a single anchor?

AI Explanation
The correct answer is D) 10 times the depth of water. In bad weather, it is recommended to use a length of anchor chain that is approximately 10 times the depth of the water. This provides sufficient scope (the amount of chain let out) to allow the anchor to dig in and hold the vessel securely in strong winds and heavy seas. The increased scope helps distribute the forces on the anchor more effectively, improving the overall holding power. The other options are incorrect because they do not align with the standard guideline of 10 times the depth of water. 3 times (A) or 6 times (C) the depth would not provide enough scope, while 15 times (B) the depth would be an excessive amount of chain, which is unnecessary and can potentially create issues with the anchor's ability to set properly.

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