Which circle describes the maximum swing radius of the vessel at anchor?

• A. Letting-go circle
• B. Swing circle
• C. Drag circle
• D. Cockle

Answer: (B)

When a vessel is anchored, it can swing around the anchor because the length of rode laid out from the anchor to the vessel fixes how far it can move away. The farthest distance the vessel could reach from the anchor is described by a swing circle: a circle centered on the anchor with a radius equal to the length of the rode paid out. This circle defines the maximum swing radius and is used to plan clearance in crowded anchorages, since the vessel could reach any point on that circle if wind and current push it to the limit. The other terms refer to different anchoring conditions and do not describe this maximum swing area. So the term you’re looking for is swing circle.