Question 39 QMED04 - Boiler Technician-Watertender

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation for Option A (Correct Answer):** A sea anchor (also known as a drogue) is a device deployed from the bow of a vessel (or life raft) into the water. Its primary function is to create significant drag. When deployed from a life raft, the massive drag created by the sea anchor against the water mass acts to counter the forces of wind and surface current acting on the life raft, thereby **reducing the drift rate** and keeping the bow pointed into the waves for greater stability. **Why the Other Options are Incorrect:** * **B) keep the life raft from turning over:** While the drag of a sea anchor helps stabilize the raft and usually keeps the bow into the waves (which can reduce the likelihood of capsizing in heavy seas), its main and intended function is to reduce drift and maintain heading, not guarantee that the raft will not turn over. Modern self-righting life rafts or enclosed rafts are designed primarily to resist turning over, independent of the sea anchor. * **C) aid in recovering the life raft:** The sea anchor does not inherently aid in recovery. In fact, if a search vessel locates the raft, the sea anchor must usually be hauled in before the raft can be towed or brought alongside, potentially delaying recovery slightly. Recovery is aided by signaling devices, not the sea anchor. * **D) increase your visibility:** The sea anchor is a submerged device and has no impact on visibility. Visibility is increased by signaling devices, reflective tape, flares, dye markers, or the high visibility color of the raft itself.