🔍 Key Concepts

• Pivot point of a ship when stopped, moving ahead, or when an anchor is holding the bow • Effect of an anchor underfoot (just on the bottom, not holding hard) on a vessel’s maneuvering • Use of anchor as a shiphandling tool in restricted waters (rivers, narrow channels, crowded harbors)

💭 Think About

• When an anchor is lowered and begins to take some strain near the bow, what happens to the effective pivot point of the vessel? Does it move forward or aft? • Is using the anchor to help turn a vessel considered poor seamanship, or is it a recognized shiphandling technique when used correctly? • Does this technique apply only to single-screw ships, or can it be used (with care) on various propulsion arrangements?

✅ Before You Answer

• Be clear about where the pivot point normally is when the vessel is moving ahead versus when it is stopped • Think about how light or moderate anchor strain on the bow will influence the vessel’s tendency to swing or turn • Check which option describes a factual shiphandling effect (not an opinion about skill level, not a limitation to one type of vessel, not just general caution).