With the DEEP DRILLER anchored in 500 feet of water and with the tension on the mooring chain of 170 kips, the length of the catenary is __________.

Correct Answer: Option A — 1,378 feet

Consulting the DEEP DRILLER mooring manual curves for 500 feet of water depth at a chain tension of 170 kips yields a suspended catenary length of 1,378 feet, accounting for chain weight, elasticity, and uplift forces.