What is the correct anchoring procedure?

• A. Throw anchor and depart immediately.
• B. Use any anchor regardless of bottom.
• C. Choose appropriate anchor for bottom, set anchorage with enough scope, test hold, and maintain.
• D. Anchor only during daylight.

Answer: (C)

Anchoring safely comes from using the right anchor for the bottom, letting out enough rode, testing that it actually holds, and then keeping a watch on it. The bottom type determines what anchor bites best, so choose one suited for where you’re anchored. Sand and mud typically hold well with a fluked design, rocky bottoms need a gear that digs in and holds under heavier pull, and weed can reduce holding power, so adjust your choice accordingly.

Next, set with enough scope—the length of rode relative to water depth and current. More scope gives the anchor a better bite and lets the boat ride with waves without pulling the anchor out. Under light wind you can use a moderate scope; in stronger wind or current you’ll want a longer amount of rode to maintain a solid hold. Make sure the anchor is well buried before you consider the rode taut.

Test hold by backing down gently to set the anchor and then watching the boat’s position. If the boat drifts or the rode goes slack, you’ll know the anchor isn’t set, and you should re-anchor or adjust your approach.

Maintain the anchor by monitoring for changes in wind, current, or tides and by keeping the position and rode in good shape. If conditions shift or the boat starts to drag, re-anchor or reposition as needed to keep the vessel securely in place.

The other options skip essential steps or ignore environmental factors—an anchor thrown and left requires no assessment, using any anchor regardless of bottom ignores holding power, and anchoring only in daylight doesn’t address safety or changing conditions.