Question 3992 Deck General

70% to pass

When a small craft's anchor fouls in a rocky bottom, the first attempt to clear it should be made by _______________.

A reversing the angle and direction of pull, with moderate scope
B hauling vertically on the line
C making the line fast to the bitt and bringing the vessel further forward
D increasing the scope and running slowly in a wide circle with the anchor line taut
AI Explanation

The correct answer is A) reversing the angle and direction of pull, with moderate scope. When an anchor fouls in a rocky bottom, the first attempt to clear it should be made by reversing the angle and direction of pull, with moderate scope. This technique allows the anchor to be pulled from a different direction, which can help dislodge it from the rocky seabed. Hauling vertically on the line (B) or bringing the vessel further forward (C) may not provide enough force to free the anchor, while increasing the scope and running in a wide circle (D) could actually worsen the situation by further entangling the anchor.

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