Deck Seamanship & Line Handling Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of a 'fairlead' on the deck of a vessel?

Answer: To guide a line and change its direction while reducing chafing

A fairlead is a fitting that guides a line in the desired direction and protects it from chafing against deck structures.

When tending mooring lines during a vessel's departure, what is a sailor's first priority?

Answer: Stand clear of all lines under tension and only let go on command

Safety is paramount — crew must stay clear of lines under load and only release them when ordered, as a parting line can cause severe injury.

Which of the following is the correct definition of a 'bitter end'?

Answer: The end of the anchor chain secured inside the chain locker

The bitter end is the inboard end of the anchor chain or a mooring line that is secured at the chain locker or vessel's fixed point.

What type of splice is used to create a permanent eye at the end of a wire rope or fiber line?

Answer: Eye splice

An eye splice forms a permanent fixed loop at the end of a line by tucking the strands back into the standing part.

When a vessel is lying alongside a dock with current running from aft to forward, which mooring line takes the greatest strain?

Answer: After bow spring

An after bow spring running aft from the bow resists the current pushing the vessel forward and takes the greatest strain in this scenario.

What is the purpose of 'rat guards' placed on mooring lines?

Answer: To prevent rodents from climbing mooring lines onto the vessel

Rat guards are cone-shaped metal discs placed on mooring lines to block rodents from using the lines as a bridge to board the vessel.

When 'surging' a line on a capstan, what technique is used to control tension?

Answer: Letting the line slip gradually while maintaining friction with hand pressure on the turns

Surging means allowing the line to slip in a controlled manner under the crew member's hand pressure on the turns to gradually ease the load.