Anchoring

Question 1

Which action can ship personnel take to reduce certain effects?

A) Shortening the scope to decrease Yaw effects
B) Turning the rudder to provide a sheer to the ship’s head
C) Decreasing the draft to minimize Pitch and surge effects
D) Increasing the cargo load to stabilize the vessel

Answer 1

B) Turning the rudder to provide a sheer to the ship’s head

Question 2

Which statement reflects a common misconception about preventing a ship from dragging its anchor?

A) Adding more chain increases the vertical pull on the anchor, enhancing its holding capacity
B) Paying out additional cable creates a more horizontal pull on the anchor, improving its ability to dig in and prevent dragging
C) Decreasing the length of the chain decreases the anchor’s resistance to dragging
D) Increasing the anchor weight improves its ability to hold the ship in place

Answer 2

B) Paying out additional cable creates a more horizontal pull on the anchor, improving its ability to dig in and prevent dragging

Question 3

Which of the following best illustrates the relationship between the angle of inclination to the seabed and the corresponding loss of holding power?

A) At 5 degrees, there is a 20% holding power loss; at 10 degrees, there is a 40% holding power loss; at 15 degrees, there is a 60% holding power loss.

B) At 5 degrees, there is a 40% holding power loss; at 10 degrees, there is a 60% holding power loss; at 15 degrees, there is an 80% holding power loss.

C) At 5 degrees, there is a 60% holding power loss; at 10 degrees, there is a 20% holding power loss; at 15 degrees, there is a 40% holding power loss.

D) At 5 degrees, there is a 20% holding power loss; at 10 degrees, there is a 60% holding power loss; at 15 degrees, there is a 40% holding power loss.

Answer 3

A) At 5 degrees, there is a 20% holding power loss; at 10 degrees, there is a 40% holding power loss; at 15 degrees, there is a 60% holding power loss.

Question 4

Which of the following types of seabed is considered the best for holding ground?

A) Rocky and gravelly
B) Soft sand
C) Clay, mud, and hard sand
D) Seaweed-covered

Answer 4

C) Clay, mud, and hard sand

Question 5

Which of the following types of seabed is considered the worst for holding ground?

A) Clay and mud
B) Hard sand
C) Coral reefs
D) Rock, ooze, stones, and soft sand

Answer 5

D) Rock, ooze, stones, and soft sand

Question 6

Which of the following types of seabed is considered the worst for holding ground?

A) Clay
B) Mud
C) Hard sand
D) Ooze

Answer 6

D) Ooze

Question 7

Which additional factor influences the holding ability of an anchor?

A) The length of the anchor chain
B) The material grade of the anchor (mild steel, special quality, extra special quality)
C) The shape of the anchor flukes
D) The angle of inclination to the seabed

Answer 7

B) The material grade of the anchor (mild steel, special quality, extra special quality)

Question 8

Which of the following factors affects the holding ability of an anchor?

A) Anchor shape
B) Wind speed
C) Anchor material grade
D) Water depth

Answer 8

C) Anchor material grade

Question 9

Which scenario requires more chain to be laid out?

A) Ship carrying full cargo
B) Ship in ballast (empty)
C) Ship equipped with a larger anchor
D) Ship with reduced wind speed

Answer 9

B) Ship in ballast (empty)

Question 10

How does a large rise in tide affect the horizontal pull on an anchor?

A) It decreases the horizontal pull
B) It has no effect on the horizontal pull
C) It increases the horizontal pull
D) It destabilizes the anchor

Answer 10

C) It increases the horizontal pull

Question 11

What level of wind force on the Beaufort scale should a ship’s anchor be capable of withstanding if anchored correctly?

A) Beaufort 6
B) Beaufort 7
C) Beaufort 8
D) Beaufort 9

Answer 11

C) Beaufort 8

Question 12

Which factors are typically included in an anchor plan?

A) Wind direction, hull material, and crew capacity
B) Position, speed, stopping engines, and astern propulsion
C) Cargo weight, navigation lights, and communication devices
D) Tide level, water depth, and anchor weight

Answer 12

B) Position, speed, stopping engines, and astern propulsion

Question 13

Which variables are essential considerations when determining anchoring strategies?

A) Nature of holding ground, length of stay, weather, tide/current and anchor type
B) Hull color, crew experience, and onboard amenities
C) Navigation charts, port regulations, and cargo weight
D) Engine power, fuel reserves, and communication equipment

Answer 13

A) Nature of holding ground, length of stay, weather, tide/current and anchor type

Question 14

What is the common practice on small boats when releasing the anchor?

A) Release it slowly while holding onto the chain
B) Let it drop freely from the brake
C) Lower it gently using a winch
D) Drag it along the water surface for stability

Answer 14

B) Let it drop freely from the brake

Question 15

When is releasing the anchor from the hawsepipe typically considered?

A) During routine anchoring operations
B) In cases of emergency
C) When maneuvering the ship in tight spaces
D) Before entering a port

Answer 15

B) In cases of emergency

Question 16

What is an important procedure regarding the anchor brake?

A) Lubricating it regularly
B) Replacing it every voyage
C) Testing it periodically or before use.
D) Adjusting its tension

Answer 16

C) Testing it periodically or before use

Question 17

How do larger vessels typically handle anchoring to avoid excessive momentum and potential damage to equipment?

A) They release the anchor from the hawsepipe
B) They let the anchor drop freely from the brake
C) They walk the anchor down, controlling momentum and scope
D) They rely on the wind and tide to set the anchor in place

Answer 17

C) They walk the anchor down, controlling momentum and scope

Question 18

How can the brake be tested on a vessel?

A) By releasing the anchor from the hawsepipe
B) By walking the anchor down and observing the gypsy and gear plates
C) By inspecting the anchor chain for signs of wear
D) By measuring the length of anchor rode deployed

Answer 18

B) By walking the anchor down and observing the gypsy and gear plates

Question 19

What impact does letting out more chain or using a second anchor during a short stay have on the maneuverability of a vessel?

A) It improves maneuverability by providing more stability
B) It has no effect on maneuverability
C) It decreases maneuverability due to increased recovery time
D) It enhances maneuverability by allowing for quicker response times

Answer 19

C) It decreases maneuverability due to increased recovery time

Question 20

How can engines be utilized to reduce stress on the windlass and ease the weight of the anchors?

A) By increasing the anchor’s weight
B) By shutting off the engines completely
C) By using engines to lift the anchors
D) By using engines to counteract the force of the wind on the anchors

Answer 20

D) By using engines to counteract the force of the wind on the anchors

Question 21

What safety measures are typically taken during the anchoring process?

A) Checking over the side, walking back the anchor, utilizing experienced personnel, maintaining communications, providing information to the bridge, and using sound signals to indicate the vessel’s status
B) Stowing equipment, turning off all communication devices, and increasing engine power
C) Lowering all lifeboats, deploying life rafts, and donning life jackets
D) Securing loose items on deck and closing all watertight doors

Answer 21

A) Checking over the side, walking back the anchor, utilizing experienced personnel, maintaining communications, providing information to the bridge, and using sound signals to indicate the vessel’s status

Question 22

What materials can be used for anchor buoys?

A) Metal, fiberglass, or rubber
B) Wood, plastic, or metal
C) Oil-sealed drum, wood, or plastic
D) Rubber, foam, or concrete

Answer 22

C) Oil-sealed drum, wood, or plastic

Question 23

To what are buoy lines typically attached?

A) Anchor’s flukes
B) Anchor shackle or the length of ganger
C) Ship’s hull
D) Dock cleats

Answer 23

B) Anchor shackle or the length of ganger

Question 24

What materials are commonly used for buoy lines?

A) Hemp and nylon
B) Steel and aluminum
C) Polyester and wire
D) Cotton and rubber

Answer 24

C) Polyester and wire

Question 25

When are buoy lines typically attached to the anchor?

A) Before the vessel leaves port
B) As the vessel approaches the anchorage
C) Once the vessel is anchored
D) When the vessel is leaving the anchorage

Answer 25

B) As the vessel approaches the anchorage

Question 26

What type of buoy line is recommended for salvage operations during the recovery process?

A) Nylon
B) Polyester
C) Flexible wire rope
D) Hemp

Answer 26

C) Flexible wire rope

Question 27

What type of line is recommended for recovery operations during salvage operations?

A) 24mm nylon rope
B) 24mm steel wire rope
C) 24mm polyester rope
D) 24mm polypropylene rope

Answer 27

B) 24mm steel wire rope

Question 28

How can a ship be pointed to create a lee?

A) By securing a mooring wire from the bow to a fixed point on land
B) By attaching a mooring wire from the aft mooring deck to a position on the anchor cable just outside the outboard end of the hawse pipe
C) By using the ship’s anchor to pull it into position
D) By deploying sea anchors from the sides of the ship

Answer 28

B) By attaching a mooring wire from the aft mooring deck to a position on the anchor cable just outside the outboard end of the hawse pipe

Question 29

What does the Morse code “Romeo” (- .) indicate when sounded by a vessel at anchor?

A) The vessel is preparing to depart
B) The vessel is experiencing difficulties
C) The vessel is fully anchored and not under way
D) The vessel is requesting assistance

Answer 29

C) The vessel is fully anchored and not under way

Question 30

What method is recommended for determining the vessel’s position while at anchor in foggy conditions?

A) Visual bearings
B) Celestial navigation
C) Dead reckoning
D) Instrumental fixings

Answer 30

D) Instrumental fixings

Question 31

What signaling method is employed by a vessel when it exceeds 100 meters in length?

A) Using a whistle
B) Hoisting a specific flag
C) Sounding a bell and gong in 5-second succession
D) Transmitting a distress signal

Answer 31

C) Sounding a bell and gong in 5-second succession

Question 32

What is the status of a vessel at anchor regarding the application of COLREGS (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea)?

A) COLREGS are not applicable to vessels at anchor
B) Vessels at anchor are subject to special regulations exempting them from COLREGS
C) Vessels at anchor are considered vessels at sea, and COLREGS are applicable
D) COLREGS are only partially applicable to vessels at anchor

Answer 32

C) Vessels at anchor are considered vessels at sea, and COLREGS are applicable

Question 33

What should be the status of the Engine Order Telegraph (EOT) while a vessel is at anchor?

A) It should be at Finish With Engines (FWE)
B) It should be at Full Astern (FA)
C) It should be at Stop
D) It should be at Half Ahead

Answer 33

C) It should be at Stop

Question 34

Which methods are commonly utilized for position monitoring while a vessel is at anchor?

A) Primary visual bearings (3), radar bearing/distance, intersecting radar distances (2), GPS, ARPA, and ECHO sounder
B) Visual bearings only
C) GPS and radar bearing/distance
D) Radar bearing/distance and ECHO sounder

Answer 34

bearing/distance, intersecting radar distances (2), GPS, ARPA, and ECHO sounder

Question 35

Why is it not recommended to use transit bearings as a standalone fixing method?

A) They are inaccurate in calculating the vessel’s position
B) They are only reliable during daytime
C) They cannot be verified by other methods
D) They are prone to interference from magnetic anomalies

Answer 35

C) They cannot be verified by other methods

Question 36

What methods can be used for detecting dragging while a vessel is at anchor?

A) Anchor bearings, radar circle, vibration, and weighted line on the bridge wing
B) GPS coordinates, visual inspection, and sonar readings
C) Engine noise analysis and echo sounder readings
D) None of the above

Answer 36

A) Anchor bearings, radar circle, vibration, and weighted line on the bridge wing

Question 37

What are the options available to the master if the vessel is dragging anchor?

A) Conn, standby engines, and anchor party. Additionally, consider laying out additional cable or laying out a second anchor at short stay.
B) Alert the crew and wait for further instructions.
C) Sound the alarm and prepare for evacuation.
D) Radio for assistance and request nearby vessels for help.

Answer 37

A) Conn, standby engines, and anchor party. Additionally, consider laying out additional cable or laying out a second anchor at short stay.

Question 38

How can excessive yawing affect the anchor, and what is the suggested course of action?

A) Excessive yawing can cause the anchor to become free. Using a second anchor can help reduce yawing. The third option is to get underway.
B) Excessive yawing has no effect on the anchor’s holding.
C) Excessive yawing strengthens the anchor’s hold.
D) Excessive yawing can cause the anchor to get stuck.

Answer 38

A) Excessive yawing can cause the anchor to become free. Using a second anchor can help reduce yawing. The third option is to get underway

Question 39

What does the term “dredging down” typically refer to in maritime terminology?

A) Using anchors to berth
B) The process of removing sediment from the bottom of a body of water
C) Maneuvering through shallow waters
D) Conducting underwater inspections

Answer 39

A) Using anchors to berth

Question 40

What are the key steps involved in dredging down operations?

A) 1. Walk back anchor to acquire the feel.
2. Approach position of letting go at slow speed to maintain steerage way.

Ensure anchor doesn’t dig in and start drifting by maintaining an appropriate speed.
Keep weight on the anchor while letting it go at short stay (no more than 1 ½ times the depth of the water).
Avoid swinging movements by ensuring slow, continuous movements.
Secure one aft mooring line while the anchor is slack.
Once secured, walk the anchor to and up/down.

Question 41

Which of the following statements accurately summarizes the disadvantages of a Mediterranean Moor?

A) The vessel is exposed to prevailing weather in the fore part, and going ashore requires a small boat, but shore cranes are available.

B) The Mediterranean Moor exposes the vessel to unpredictable weather conditions, necessitating the use of small boats for going ashore, and there are no shore cranes available.

C) Disadvantages of the Mediterranean Moor include exposure to prevailing weather in the fore part, reliance on small boats for shore access, and the absence of shore cranes. Additional wear and tear on cargo handling gears

D) The Mediterranean Moor’s drawbacks encompass exposure to prevailing weather in the fore part, the need for small boats for going ashore, and the presence of shore cranes.

Answer 41

C) Disadvantages of the Mediterranean Moor include exposure to prevailing weather in the fore part, reliance on small boats for shore access, and the absence of shore cranes. Additional wear and tear on cargo handling gears

Question 42

What are the correct procedures for performing a Mediterranean Moor with a vessel equipped with a right-handed fixed propeller, intending to berth on the ship’s port side at a distance of 2 ship lengths, while maintaining a dead slow ahead speed of 3-4 knots?

A) 1. Let go offshore anchor, helm hard to starboard, stop engines, and let the cable run on the starboard anchor.
2. Half astern, rudder midship, and let go port anchor.
3. Gather sternway, pay out both cables, and the ship will move to port due to traverse thrust.
4. Stop engines and check astern movement by applying brakes on the cable.
5. Run mooring lines astern, and cross inboard spring lines.
6. Tension stern lines by heaving on anchors.

B) 1. Let go offshore anchor, helm hard to port, stop engines, and let the cable run on the port anchor.
2. Half astern, rudder midship, and let go starboard anchor.
3. Gather sternway, pay out both cables, and the ship will move to port due to traverse thrust.
4. Stop engines and check astern movement by applying brakes on the cable.
5. Run mooring lines astern, and cross inboard spring lines.
6. Tension stern lines by heaving on anchors.

Answer 42

A) 1. Let go offshore anchor, helm hard to starboard, stop engines, and let the cable run on the starboard anchor.
2. Half astern, rudder midship, and let go port anchor.
3. Gather sternway, pay out both cables, and the ship will move to port due to traverse thrust.
4. Stop engines and check astern movement by applying brakes on the cable.
5. Run mooring lines astern, and cross inboard spring lines.
6. Tension stern lines by heaving on anchors.

Question 43

What is the procedure for an open moor when both anchors are deployed against the current, and there is no tidal influence?

A) Deploy both anchors with the same length of scope. If there are tides, one anchor is kept at short stay while the other is set at regular anchorage scope.

B) Deploy one anchor with short stay and the other with regular anchorage scope, regardless of tidal influence.

C) Deploy both anchors with the same length of scope. If there are tides, both anchors are kept at regular anchorage scope.

D) Deploy both anchors with short stay, regardless of tidal influence.

Answer 43

A) Deploy both anchors with the same length of scope. If there are tides, one anchor is kept at short stay while the other is set at regular anchorage scope.

Question 44

What is the recommended procedure for securing the anchor for very large crude carriers (VLCC) or ultra-large crude carriers (ULCC) while underway?

A) The anchor should be secured with a gear, brake, bow stopper, and additional lashings.

B) The anchor should be released to drag along the seabed to reduce the vessel’s speed.

C) The anchor should be left hanging loose to provide additional stability to the vessel.

D) The anchor should be hoisted onto the deck and stored in a designated area.

Answer 44

A) The anchor should be secured with a gear, brake, bow stopper, and additional lashings.

Question 45

What types of windlass systems are commonly used on tankers, particularly for large vessels?

A) Electric
B) Steam-powered
C) Hydraulic or pneumatic
D) Solar-powered

Answer 45

C) Hydraulic or pneumatic

Question 46

What is the total length of anchor cable required for a very large crude carrier (VLCC) anchoring in waters with a depth of 30 meters and a tidal range of 10 meters?

A) 8.74 shackles or 240 meters
B) 13.7 tonnes
C) 1568 kg
D) 6 times the depth of water

Answer 46

A) 8.74 shackles or 240 meters

Question 47

What is the typical range for the length of anchor chain deployed for depths between 40 to 60 meters?

A) 4 to 6 times the depth
B) 6 to 10 times the depth
C) 10 to 12 times the depth
D) 12 to 15 times the depth

Answer 47

B) 6 to 10 times the depth

Question 48

What conditions could potentially cause an anchor to break out?

A) A five-knot current or a 60-knot wind
B) A two-knot current or a 40-knot wind
C) A ten-knot current or a 80-knot wind
D) A three-knot current or a 50-knot wind

Answer 48

A) A five-knot current or a 60-knot wind

Question 49

What is the ratio of the lifting power of the windlass motor to that of the brake?

A) 1:6
B) 1:8
C) 1:10
D) 1:12

Answer 49

D) 1:12

Question 50

What is the recommended procedure for walking back the anchor according to the manufacturer’s recommendation?

A) Walk the anchor just above the seabed, bring the wind to the beam to allow the bow to be 20 degrees off the wind, and let the cable run with astern movement.

B) Walk the anchor fully submerged, align the wind to the beam, and engage the windlass at full power.

C) Walk the anchor until it touches the seabed, then apply full astern movement while aligning the bow 20 degrees off the wind.

D) Walk the anchor using only manual power, ensuring it remains just above the seabed, and align the bow with the wind at 20 degrees.

Answer 50

A) Walk the anchor just above the seabed, bring the wind to the beam to allow the bow to be 20 degrees off the wind, and let the cable run with astern movement.

Question 51

Where should the chain stopper be placed when the anchor chain is in the up/down position?

A) Near the windlass
B) Near the anchor
C) Near the stern of the ship
D) Near the bow of the ship

Answer 51

A) Near the windlass

Question 52

What is the primary function of the brake in relation to the anchor cable?

A) To control the movement of the cable
B) To secure the ship’s mass
C) To prevent the anchor from dragging
D) To provide additional stability to the ship

Answer 52

A) To control the movement of the cable

Question 53

What is the maximum vertical distance that the windlass is designed to lift the anchor and chain?

A) 62 meters
B) 72 meters
C) 82 meters
D) 92 meters

Answer 53

C) 82 meters

Question 54

What potential issue can arise from the slow process of walking the anchor, taking approximately 7.0 cm/sec, and the time it takes to deploy 8 shackles?

A) It increases the risk of anchor dragging
B) It can lead to excessive wear on the windlass
C) It may tempt operators to deploy less anchor chain
D) It slows down the vessel’s maneuverability

Answer 54

C) It may tempt operators to deploy less anchor chain

Question 55

Why is beaching astern first not recommended?

A) It can cause damage to the propeller
B) It increases the risk of grounding
C) It makes it difficult to control the vessel
D) It reduces the vessel’s stability

Answer 55

B) It increases the risk of grounding

Question 56

What conditions should a vessel ideally be in when beaching?

A) The vessel should be in full ballast condition and both anchors should be walked back.

B) The vessel should be loaded with cargo and anchored securely.

C) The vessel should be at full speed ahead and steer towards the beach.

D) The vessel should be in shallow waters and ready for docking.

Answer 56

A) The vessel should be in full ballast condition and both anchors should be walked back.

Question 57

Sure, here’s a multiple-choice question based on the statement:

Why is beaching a vessel astern first not recommended?

A) It increases the risk of grounding or becoming stuck in shallow waters, potentially causing damage to the vessel’s stern.

B) It allows for better control and maneuverability during the beaching process.

C) It reduces the risk of damage to the propulsion system or hull.

D) It facilitates a smoother transition onto the beaching area.

Answer 57

A) It increases the risk of grounding or becoming stuck in shallow waters, potentially causing damage to the vessel’s stern.

Question 58

Which of the following considerations are recommended when beaching a vessel?

A) Use stern wires if time permits, approach at a 90-degree angle, consider using only one anchor initially, take on more ballast, and deploy an anti-pollution barrier if available. Ideal conditions include daylight operation, a gentle slope to the beach, a rock-free area, and sheltered, current, and surf-free conditions.

B) Use stern wires if time permits, approach at a 45-degree angle, consider using both anchors simultaneously, reduce ballast, and deploy an anti-pollution barrier if available. Ideal conditions include nighttime operation, a steep slope to the beach, a rocky area, and exposed, strong currents, and surf.

C) Avoid using stern wires, approach at a 90-degree angle, use only one anchor initially, reduce ballast, and deploy an anti-pollution barrier if available. Ideal conditions include daylight operation, a steep slope to the beach, a rocky area, and exposed, strong currents, and surf.

D) Avoid using stern wires, approach at a 45-degree angle, use both anchors simultaneously, take on more ballast, and deploy an anti-pollution barrier if available. Ideal conditions include nighttime operation, a gentle slope to the beach, a rock-free area, and sheltered, current, and surf-free conditions.

Answer 58

A) Use stern wires if time permits, approach at a 90-degree angle, consider using only one anchor initially, take on more ballast, and deploy an anti-pollution barrier if available. Ideal conditions include daylight operation, a gentle slope to the beach, a rock-free area, and sheltered, current, and surf-free conditions.