Question 70 GLI04 - Mate of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation for Option B (The flukes will break free of the bottom) being correct:** Stockless anchors are designed to hold by burying their flukes into the seabed when the pull is horizontal (along the seabed). The shank typically lies flat against the bottom. If the pull angle changes significantly—that is, if the anchor chain is hauled in until it is pulling sharply upwards, effectively "lifting the shank"—the geometry of the anchor changes relative to the soil. As the shank is lifted, the anchor begins to pivot around the crown (the end opposite the shank). This upward pull forces the digging edges of the flukes to move upwards and backwards, disrupting the soil grip. Once the angle of pull becomes sufficiently vertical (often around 10-15 degrees off the horizontal or more), the lifting force component dominates, and the flukes lose their ability to dig, causing the anchor to break out of the seabed. This is the mechanism used to weigh (recover) the anchor. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) The probability of fouling the chain decreases:** This is incorrect. Fouling (the anchor chain wrapping around the shank or crown) is a risk when the anchor is moving or setting. However, lifting the shank is a deliberate action that results in the anchor breaking free and beginning to move, which generally increases the risk of the chain snagging parts of the anchor, particularly during recovery operations if the anchor rotates. Furthermore, this option does not describe the primary *mechanical effect* of lifting the shank on its set status. * **C) The probability of fouling the chain increases:** While the risk of fouling *might* increase during the subsequent movement or recovery, this is a secondary effect. The primary and immediate mechanical consequence of lifting the shank on a set anchor is that it breaks free, making option B the most accurate description of the immediate effect on holding power. * **D) The flukes will dig deeper increasing the holding power:** This is the opposite of what happens. Increasing the pull angle by lifting the shank degrades the holding power. Maximum holding power occurs when the pull is nearly horizontal. A vertical pull causes the anchor to break out, not dig deeper.