Chapter 03

Knots and Ropework

Handle lines deliberately and understand where the load can hurt you.

What this chapter builds

By the end of it, you can

  • Identify bights, changing load paths and pinch points before entering a line-handling job.
  • Tie and inspect a fixed loop and recognise when release or loading requirements make it unsuitable.
  • Tie a temporary attachment and recognise its need for monitoring and the correct securing method.
  • Distinguish the friction turn from the finishing hitches and inspect both parts.
  • Form and inspect a training join without mistaking it for an approved critical line system.
  • Recognise directional grip and explain why a bench hitch does not prove a live load transfer.
  • Tie a stopper and check it against the opening it is intended to stop at.
  • Match line and cleat size, choose the appropriate finish and leave the lead and tail usable.
  • Explain the operator-and-tailer roles and the need to preserve control through a load transfer.
  • Identify the vessel's approved snubber or bridle and explain its load path without inventing an attachment.

Lessons

10 lessons open

  1. 3.1Practical demonstration · about 5 minutesBefore you touch the lineA line looks harmless until it loads. Learn where not to stand, how to keep an escape route and when to stop rather than grab. Video coming soonSee it: The bight closes
  2. 3.2Practical demonstration · about 6 minutesThe bowline: useful, not universalTie and inspect a bowline, then learn the more important skill: knowing when a fixed loop is the wrong answer. Video coming soonSee it: The bowline
  3. 3.3Practical demonstration · about 4 minutesThe clove hitch: quick and temporaryLearn a fast attachment for the right temporary jobs, and why it needs watching when the pull changes. Video coming soonSee it: The clove hitch
  4. 3.4Practical demonstration · about 5 minutesRound turn and two half hitchesUse friction around a strong point before the finishing hitches do their work. Video coming soonSee it: Round turn and two half hitches
  5. 3.5Practical demonstration · about 5 minutesJoining two lines with a sheet bendLearn the sheet bend and double sheet bend, then keep improvised joins away from jobs that require an approved continuous line. Video coming soonSee it: The sheet bend
  6. 3.6Practical demonstration · about 5 minutesThe rolling hitch: taking a pullUnderstand how a rolling hitch grips along another line and why load transfer remains a supervised operation. Video coming soonSee it: The rolling hitch
  7. 3.7Practical demonstration · about 4 minutesStopper knots: keep the end in sightTie a clear figure-of-eight stopper and understand when a larger or vessel-specific stopper is needed. Video coming soonSee it: The figure-of-eight stopper
  8. 3.8Practical demonstration · about 6 minutesA clean cleat hitchMatch the line to the cleat and choose the finish: a locking turn for the smaller-line example, normal figures-of-eight for larger lines. Video coming soonSee it: A clean cleat hitch
  9. 3.9Onboard activity · about 6 minutesWorking a capstan or winchUnderstand the operator-and-tailer team, keep hands clear and transfer the load only through the vessel's practised sequence. Video coming soonSee it: The machine moves the line. The crew control the load.
  10. 3.10Onboard activity · about 6 minutesThe anchor snubberKnow why the vessel transfers anchor load away from the windlass and how to assist without inventing the rig. Video coming soonSee it: Where the anchor load goes