You are arriving in port and are assigned to anchor in anchorage circle B-4. It has a diameter of 500 yards and your vessel's LOA is 484 feet. If you anchor in 8 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 — 3 shots

The circle radius is 250 yards (750 feet). Subtracting the 484-foot LOA leaves 266 feet for the chain's horizontal reach. With 8 fathoms (48 feet) depth, 3 shots (270 feet) is the maximum length that keeps the vessel within the circle while maintaining a sufficient scope for the anchor to hold.