Chapter 3 · Lesson 6Practical demonstration · about 5 minutes
The rolling hitch: taking a pull
Understand how a rolling hitch grips along another line and why load transfer remains a supervised operation.
Video coming soon
The rolling hitch: taking a pull
In the video
- Tie for the direction of pull
- Know what changes the grip
- Load transfer is commanded
From the captain
Before you start
The rolling hitch is useful when you need a line to grip another line in one direction. The words 'under load' are also your cue not to freelance.
By the end of this lesson
Recognise directional grip and explain why a bench hitch does not prove a live load transfer.
See it
See it for yourself
The rolling hitch
Tie it for the direction of pull: the gripping turns sit toward the expected pull, so the hitch can bite along the standing line. Seen from your side, with the pull running down the standing line.
5/5Dress each turn snugly. The additional turns sit toward the expected pull.Test the grip with light hand tension during training.
Illustration only · Ryan's filmed demonstration and the vessel's method govern
What to look for
Inspect the finished form
Identify the expected pull and the gripping turns in the exact form Ryan demonstrates.
Choose the job as carefully as the knot
The same hitch can behave differently with different rope materials or conditions. Live load transfer needs an approved arrangement and command.
The lesson
The lesson
- 01
Tie for the direction of pull
The additional turns sit toward the expected pull so the hitch can bite along the standing line. Dress each turn snugly and test the grip with light hand tension during training.
- 02
Know what changes the grip
Line material, diameter, condition and load affect performance. A hitch that grips a dry training line may behave differently on a wet, hard or contaminated line.
- 03
Load transfer is commanded
Using a rolling hitch to relieve a loaded line requires a suitable secondary line and strong point, a clear plan and direction from the officer or bosun. Keep everyone clear of both load paths.
Where it goes wrong
A hitch is tied facing the wrong direction and assumed to be holding. As the load transfers, it slides. The crew have created a second moving line instead of controlling the first one.
Your call
What would you do?
Pick one, then read the feedback on all three.
The situation
The hitch grips a dry training rope. You are asked whether that proves it will hold on a wet working line.
Take it aboard
Tie and inspect: Rolling hitch
Do this during your induction or first weeks, with the person responsible for your work.
Unloaded practice
Use a short training line at a stable bench. Ask an experienced crew member to check the finished form before practising independently.
- 01Mark the expected pull on the training board.
- 02Tie Ryan's selected form.
- 03Check grip with light hand tension only.
- 04Explain the extra decisions required for a real load transfer.
What a useful result looks like
- Identify the expected pull and the gripping turns in the exact form Ryan demonstrates.
- You can name one unsuitable use and untie the unloaded example without rushing.
Stop: Training line only. No person, vessel, lifting system or live load attached. A knot exercise does not establish load capacity or operating authority.
Deckhand Foundation · Job card
Rolling hitch: inspect and choose
From the lesson: The rolling hitch: taking a pull
- Task and required holding or release behaviour understood.
- Line and attachment suitable under the vessel's method.
- Identify the expected pull and the gripping turns in the exact form Ryan demonstrates.
- Tail and finished form checked against the demonstrated method.
- Use limitations explained.
Use / limitation
Inspection feedback
Next repetition
Your vessel's procedures and senior crew come first. Nothing on this card is stored.
Quick check
Four decisions, then move on
This check confirms the principle. Your vessel's own induction still comes first.