What term describes the action of letting out the anchor line?

The term that describes the action of letting out the anchor line is "Paying out." This action involves gradually letting out or releasing the anchor line to ensure that the anchor can properly settle to the seabed, allowing it to grip and hold the vessel in place. It is a critical step in the anchoring process as it determines how well the anchor will secure the vessel against wind and current forces.

In contrast, other terms, such as "Anchoring," refer to the overall process of securing the vessel in place, which involves not only letting out the anchor line but also ensuring that the anchor embeds itself securely into the seabed. "Dropping" might suggest an abrupt release of the anchor line that could potentially be harmful to the anchoring system. "Raising" denotes the action of retrieving the anchor line, which is contrary to the context of letting out the line. Understanding the terminology and actions involved in anchoring is essential for safe maritime practices.