Question 4067 Deck General

The correct answer is D) the link is suspect and requires further inspection. When inspecting an anchor chain using a hammer, a flat or dull tone when striking a link indicates that the link is potentially damaged or weakened, and requires further inspection. This is because a healthy, undamaged link should produce a clear, ringing tone when struck. A flat or dull tone suggests that the link's structural integrity may be compromised, and it should be examined more closely for signs of corrosion, wear, or other defects. The other answer choices are incorrect because: A) a rusty link would not necessarily produce a flat tone, and preservation may not be the appropriate action; B) the hammer's tuning is not the issue here; and C) a detachable link would not be identified solely by the tone when struck.