Which term describes the circle formed by the ship’s mooring as it swings on its anchor chain?

• A. Swing Circle
• B. Beam
• C. Draft
• D. Freeboard

Answer: (A)

When a ship is anchored, it can swing around the anchor point as wind and current push or pull on it. The circle that the hull traces as it moves is called the swing circle, with a radius roughly equal to the length of the anchor chain (rode). This concept is crucial for anchoring safety, since you must ensure there’s enough space within that circle to avoid other vessels, shorelines, or hazards.

The other terms don’t describe this motion: beam is the vessel’s width from side to side; draft is how deep the hull sits in the water; freeboard is the distance from the waterline to the deck.