You are arriving in port and are assigned to anchor in anchorage circle B-4. It has a diameter of 600 yards and your vessel's LOA is 525 feet. If you anchor in 10 fathoms at the center of the circle, what is the maximum number of shots of chain you can use and still remain in the circle?

Correct Answer: Option A — 4 shots

The circle radius is 300 yards (900 feet). Subtracting the vessel's 525-foot LOA leaves 375 feet for the chain's horizontal reach. At 10 fathoms (60 feet) depth, 4 shots (600 feet) provides a scope ratio of 10:1. Given the geometry, 4 shots is the maximum safe length to remain within the circle.