🔍 Key Concepts

• Control of vessel's movement relative to the bottom vs. relative to the water when anchoring in current • How current direction and vessel heading (stem the current vs. current astern) affect anchor set • The effect of headway vs. sternway on how the anchor bites and chain lays on the bottom

💭 Think About

• Picture the ship in a strong river current: in which situation does the bridge team have the best control over exact dropping position and chain payout? • When the anchor first touches bottom, do you want the vessel moving ahead, astern, or just barely moving relative to the bottom for the anchor to dig in smoothly? • How does keeping the bow into the current versus having the current from astern affect your ability to keep the vessel steady while the anchor is paying out?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify which choice keeps the bow into (stemming) the current during the drop • Check which option gives minimal, well‑controlled movement over the ground (not just through the water) at the moment of letting go • Eliminate any choice where the vessel would be drifting uncontrollably or where the current could cause the vessel to overrun its own anchor chain early in the maneuver