When approaching an anchorage, which statement is NOT TRUE?

• A. Reduce speed and approach on a controlled head
• B. Maintain a lookout for hazards
• C. Drop the anchor with about 0.5 knots of headway
• D. Use depth information to aid anchoring decisions

Answer: (C)

When approaching an anchorage, you want the boat to move in a controlled, slow manner, keeping a careful lookout for hazards and using depth information to judge where to anchor and how much rode to pay out. Dropping the anchor while still moving forward at about 0.5 knots isn’t advisable; the anchor needs a mostly stationary platform to bite and hold. If you drop it with forward headway, the anchor is less likely to set firmly, and you risk dragging or overshooting the holding ground. The proper sequence is to slow to a stop at the chosen spot, drop the anchor, and then back down to set it. The other actions—reducing speed, maintaining a lookout, and using depth to inform anchoring decisions—are the correct practices.