Question 4548 Deck General

The correct answer is D) equal to the chains they are connecting. Anchor shackles should have a breaking strength that is equal to the chains they are connecting, as per the regulations governing vessel safety and equipment requirements. This ensures that the weakest link in the anchor chain assembly is the chain itself, rather than the shackle, which would be a point of failure. The other options, such as 100% or 25% more, would result in the shackle being the weakest link, which is not the desired design. Maintaining equal strength between the shackle and chain prevents uneven loading and helps ensure the overall reliability and safety of the anchor system.