Which tool is utilized to mark the distance of the drop range while anchoring?

The Variable Range Marker (VRM) is specifically designed to mark the distance to a target, making it an essential tool for navigation, particularly when anchoring. When a vessel prepares to anchor, it's vital to understand the distance from the vessel to the proposed anchoring point and to any nearby hazards or markers. The VRM allows the navigator to adjust and set a specific range on a radar display, which can help ascertain the drop range of the anchor.

Using this tool effectively ensures that the anchor is dropped at an appropriate distance from obstacles and allows for a safer anchoring procedure. While other tools like the depth sounder provide vital information about water depth, and GPS or chart plotters assist in determining the vessel's position and course, they do not specifically measure or indicate the drop range in the same way that a VRM does. This makes the Variable Range Marker particularly advantageous in anchoring situations where precise distance management is critical.