🔍 Key Concepts

• Scope of anchor rode (ratio of length of rode to water depth) for small and medium vessels • Difference between dropping an anchor and lowering under control • Safe anchoring practices in moderate depths like 16 fathoms (96 feet)

💭 Think About

• First, think about typical recommended scope ratios in calm conditions versus heavy weather for small to medium vessels. Where do "less than 5:1" and "at least 10:1" fit? • Consider the risks of simply letting an anchor free-fall from the hawsepipe versus lowering it under control. What can happen to the vessel, the windlass, and the chain? • At 16 fathoms, calculate the actual depth in feet and then what the rode length would be for several common scope ratios (e.g., 3:1, 5:1, 7:1, 10:1). Which ranges seem practical and consistent with standard practice?

✅ Before You Answer

• Convert 16 fathoms to feet and then figure several scope ratios: 3:1, 5:1, 7:1, 10:1 • Review what most seamanship texts say about "minimum recommended scope" in normal conditions for small/medium vessels • Think about when it is appropriate to let go (drop) an anchor versus walk it out (lower) close to the bottom, especially regarding depth and risk of damage