AB Marlinspike Seamanship and Knots Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A seaman needs to join two ropes of significantly different diameters. Which of the following knots is most suitable for this purpose?
- Square Knot
- Sheet Bend (Correct answer)
- Bowline
- Clove Hitch
Correct answer: Sheet Bend
The Sheet Bend is specifically recommended for joining two ropes of unequal size. The thicker rope is used to form a bight, and the thinner rope is passed through the bight and around it to complete the knot. While it also works with ropes of the same size, its primary advantage is in handling different diameters securely.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of 'whipping' the end of a fiber rope?
- To make the rope easier to coil
- To increase the rope's breaking strength
- To prevent the end from fraying or unraveling (Correct answer)
- To form a temporary loop
Correct answer: To prevent the end from fraying or unraveling
Whipping involves binding the end of a rope with twine or cord to prevent the strands from coming apart, known as fraying or unraveling. This is crucial for maintaining the rope's integrity and extending its service life.
Question 3: While mooring, you are instructed to 'flemish down' the excess line on deck. What are you being asked to do?
- Coil the line into a neat, flat spiral on the deck (Correct answer)
- Throw the end of the line overboard
- Secure the line to a bitt with extra turns
- Fake the line in long, flat bights
Correct answer: Coil the line into a neat, flat spiral on the deck
Flemishing a line involves arranging it into a tight, flat spiral coil on the deck. This is done for neatness and to keep the decks clear, especially when a vessel is alongside for a short period.
Question 4: Which part of a line is referred to as the 'standing part'?
- The free end used to form the knot
- The loop or curve formed in the line
- The main part of the line not involved in forming the knot (Correct answer)
- The final tuck of the line that secures the knot
Correct answer: The main part of the line not involved in forming the knot
The 'standing part' is the principal or main part of a line, which is not the end being used to form a knot, hitch, or bend. The other main parts are the 'bitter end' (the free end) and the 'bight' (a curve or loop in the line).
Question 5: You need to secure a mooring line to a standard horned cleat on the dock. Which of the following describes a key step in tying a proper cleat hitch?
- Making several quick, simple loops over one horn
- Finishing the hitch with a square knot around the base
- Making one or more figure-eight turns around the horns (Correct answer)
- Tying a bowline around the entire cleat assembly
Correct answer: Making one or more figure-eight turns around the horns
A proper cleat hitch involves taking a full turn around the base of the cleat, followed by one or more figure-eight turns around the horns. The hitch is finished with a final turn where the line is tucked under itself to lock it. This method is secure yet easy to cast off.
Question 6: A permanent loop is required at the end of a wire rope sling for lifting. Which method of forming an eye is created by unlaying the rope into two parts, looping them in opposite directions, and then laying them back together before securing with a sleeve?
- Turnback Eye
- Hand-Tucked Splice
- Flemish Eye (Correct answer)
- Bowline on a bight
Correct answer: Flemish Eye
The Flemish eye splice is made by separating the wire rope's strands into two parts, looping them in opposite directions to form an eye, and then re-laying them together. A metal sleeve is then swaged over the splice to secure it. This is a common and highly efficient method for creating a strong eye in a wire rope.
AB Marlinspike Seamanship and Knots Questions and Answers
A seaman needs to join two ropes of significantly different diameters.
Which of the following knots is most suitable for this purpose?