AB Deck Seamanship & Line Handling 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the term 'bight' refer to when working with lines?
- The bitter end of a line
- A loop or curve in a line that does not cross itself (Correct answer)
- A line under maximum tension
- The standing part of a line secured to a cleat
Correct answer: A loop or curve in a line that does not cross itself
A bight is any curved section of line between the two ends that forms a loop without crossing itself.
Question 2: When securing a line to a cleat, how many figure-eight turns should be taken before finishing with a locking hitch?
- One
- Two (Correct answer)
- Three
- Four or more
Correct answer: Two
Two figure-eight turns around a cleat provide sufficient holding power before adding a single locking hitch to complete the belay.
Question 3: What is a 'preventer' line used for on deck?
- A line that prevents excessive line stretch on the winch
- A secondary line rigged to prevent sudden uncontrolled movement of a spar or boom (Correct answer)
- A line used to prevent chafing at fairleads
- A stopper knot placed at the end of a brace
Correct answer: A secondary line rigged to prevent sudden uncontrolled movement of a spar or boom
A preventer is a secondary line rigged to a boom or spar to prevent an accidental jibe or uncontrolled swing.
Question 4: Which condition most increases the risk of a mooring line parting unexpectedly?
- The line is wet from rain
- The line has been surged on a capstan drum
- The line shows heat glazing or melted fibers from previous slipping (Correct answer)
- The line is a newer synthetic with high elongation
Correct answer: The line shows heat glazing or melted fibers from previous slipping
Heat glazing reduces a synthetic line's strength significantly and indicates internal fiber damage that can cause sudden parting under load.
Question 5: When passing a line through a closed chock, what is the correct method?
- Thread the bitter end through the chock first
- Pass a bight through the chock and then through itself
- Push the coiled line through the chock in sections
- Use a messenger line led through the chock first (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Use a messenger line led through the chock first
A light messenger line is rove through the chock first, then used to pull the heavier mooring line through.
Question 6: What is the safe working load (SWL) relationship to a line's breaking strength typically used aboard ship?
- SWL equals 50% of breaking strength
- SWL equals the breaking strength divided by a safety factor of 5 or 6 (Correct answer)
- SWL equals breaking strength minus 10%
- SWL is the same as breaking strength for synthetic lines
Correct answer: SWL equals the breaking strength divided by a safety factor of 5 or 6
A safety factor of 5 to 6 is typically applied, so the SWL is the breaking strength divided by 5 or 6 to allow a margin for dynamic loads.
Question 7: What action should be taken if a running line (under load and moving) is found to be riding over itself on a winch drum?
- Increase speed to work the turns down
- Stop the winch immediately and re-spool under controlled tension (Correct answer)
- Add additional turns above the override to increase friction
- Cut the line and resecure from the bitter end
Correct answer: Stop the winch immediately and re-spool under controlled tension
An override on a winch drum must be stopped immediately; the jammed turns must be cleared under controlled conditions before operation continues.
AB Deck Seamanship & Line Handling 3
What does the term 'bight' refer to when working with lines?