What is the purpose of "anchor watch"?

The purpose of "anchor watch" is primarily to monitor the anchor's position and ensure that it holds the vessel in place. When a ship is anchored, there is a risk of it drifting due to changes in current, wind, or tides. An anchor watch involves keeping vigilant about the vessel's position relative to the anchor’s set point. This ensures that the ship does not drag its anchor and potentially get into a hazardous situation, such as colliding with another vessel or grounding.

Maintaining a watch over the anchor allows the crew to immediately address any issues that may arise, ensuring safety for both the vessel and its surroundings. Additionally, they can verify that the anchor is secure and correctly set, which is crucial for the vessel's stability while at anchor.

The other choices do cover important aspects of ship operations but do not specifically address the primary purpose of anchor watch.