Question 3934 Deck General

The correct answer is A) changes in bearings of fixed objects onshore. The best method of determining if a vessel is dragging anchor is to note changes in bearings of fixed objects onshore. This is because if the vessel is dragging anchor, its position relative to fixed objects on land will change, indicating that the anchor has lost its grip on the seafloor. The other options are incorrect because: B) how much the vessel sheers while at anchor does not directly indicate dragging, C) the amount of line paid out can vary for reasons other than dragging, and D) changes in tautness of the anchor chain may not always be apparent or indicative of dragging.