How does a drift lead indicate that the...

How does a drift lead indicate that the...

Question 1 of 3104866636ee728f7522a1c5181e7

How does a drift lead indicate that the vessel is dragging anchor?

Question 1 of 31048

Q

How does a drift lead indicate that the vessel is dragging anchor?

🔍 Key Concepts

• Drift lead / anchor lead – how the anchor chain or cable lies in the water when the vessel is at anchor • Relationship between direction of pull on the cable and the vessel’s movement over the ground • What happens to the cable’s angle and tension when the anchor is holding versus when it is dragging

💭 Think About

• Think about how the cable will look and feel if the anchor is firmly set and the vessel is lying to wind and current in a steady position. • Imagine the vessel starting to move astern over the ground while the anchor fails to dig in – how would that change the direction the cable leads from the bow? • Which cable lead would suggest that the vessel is actually being pulled back over or toward the anchor, rather than staying stretched out away from it?

✅ Before You Answer

• Compare which option best shows the cable no longer leading ahead from the bow toward the anchor in the usual direction of pull. • Identify which choice suggests the cable is tight (taut) but in a direction that indicates abnormal movement of the vessel relative to the anchor. • Eliminate any option where the cable’s lead clearly matches a normal, steady, holding anchor situation.