You are anchoring in 16 fathoms of water. On a small to medium size vessel, the __________.

Correct Answer: Option C — anchor should be lowered to within 2 fathoms of the bottom before being dropped

Lowering the anchor to within two fathoms of the bottom before dropping prevents excessive strain on the windlass and avoids potential damage to the hull plating or the anchor itself. Dropping from the hawsepipe in deep water can cause the chain to run out of control.