🔍 Key Concepts

• Anchor chain is typically marked in shots (usually 15 fathoms per shot) with a distinctive color pattern at certain intervals. • The last shot (bitter end area) is made highly visible so the crew knows they are almost out of chain. • Think about which color among the options is most commonly used aboard to signal a critical limit or danger area.

💭 Think About

• Which color from the choices would be easiest to quickly recognize as a warning that you are almost out of chain, especially in low visibility or under stress? • How is anchor chain usually marked at intermediate shots versus the very last shot—would that final one likely match normal markings or be something more attention‑getting? • On vessels you’ve seen or studied, what color was used around areas where you must not go past a certain point (for example, on load lines, danger zones, emergency equipment)?

✅ Before You Answer

• Confirm which color is traditionally associated with danger / critical limit in maritime practice. • Differentiate between colors used for intermediate shot identification and the color reserved for the final / last shot. • Make sure you’re thinking of the standard U.S. commercial practice for chain markings, not a custom or nonstandard system you may have seen.