Question 70 ONC02 - Second Mate/Third Mate Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is D. **Why option D ("Changing range to an object abeam") is correct:** Dragging anchor means the anchor is not holding the vessel's position, and the vessel is moving (drifting) relative to the seafloor. * When a vessel is moving, its **range (distance)** to **any** fixed object (whether abeam, ahead, or astern) will change. * However, if a vessel is anchored (or dragging anchor), the wind and current will cause the vessel to swing (yaw) or surge slightly within a small area, even if the anchor is holding well. * Therefore, changing range to an object abeam is a **normal occurrence** for an anchored vessel due to tidal effects, wind changes, or yawing motion. It provides little or no definitive indication that the anchor is failing and the vessel is actively dragging across the bottom (a more significant, continuous movement). **Why the other options are incorrect (and *do* indicate dragging anchor):** * **A) Changing bearing to a fixed distant object abeam:** If the anchor is holding, the vessel's position should be relatively fixed, and the bearing to a distant object should remain stable. A significant, continuous change in bearing to a distant, fixed object indicates the vessel's actual geographic position is changing substantially, which is a strong indication of dragging anchor. * **B) The cable alternates between slack and heavy tension:** This is often referred to as "snubbing" and is a classic symptom of dragging. As the vessel drifts, the anchor catches momentarily, the chain tightens significantly (heavy tension), and then the anchor breaks free again, causing the chain to slacken before the cycle repeats. * **C) Drift lead with the line tending forward:** A drift lead (a weight dropped to the seafloor to monitor movement) should have its line tending straight down if the vessel is stationary. If the lead line is tending forward (or in any continuous direction), it means the vessel is moving over the ground relative to the position where the lead was dropped, confirming the vessel is actively dragging.