AB Deck Seamanship & Line Handling 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A 'Flemish coil' (also called a 'cheese' or 'harbour coil') is used primarily for what purpose?
- Storing line under tension on a winch drum
- Laying a line flat on deck in a spiral for neatness and trip hazard prevention (Correct answer)
- Coiling a line over the arm for throwing
- Securing the end of a line to a bollard
Correct answer: Laying a line flat on deck in a spiral for neatness and trip hazard prevention
A Flemish coil lays the line flat on deck in a tight spiral for neat stowage and to eliminate tripping hazards on working decks.
Question 2: What is the main hazard of using a wire rope that has a 'kink' in it?
- The kink increases friction through fairleads
- Kinks permanently weaken the wire at that point, risking sudden failure under load (Correct answer)
- The wire becomes too stiff to reeve through blocks
- Kinks cause increased elongation under tension
Correct answer: Kinks permanently weaken the wire at that point, risking sudden failure under load
A kink permanently deforms wire rope strands, dramatically reducing breaking strength at that point and creating a failure risk under working loads.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes the function of a 'turnbuckle' used in standing rigging?
- A mechanical device used to join two fiber lines end-to-end
- A fitting that allows fine tension adjustment of stays and shrouds (Correct answer)
- A type of block used to redirect wire rope loads
- A clamp used to secure wire rope ends to a deck pad eye
Correct answer: A fitting that allows fine tension adjustment of stays and shrouds
A turnbuckle is a threaded tensioning device inserted in standing rigging to allow precise adjustment of wire tension in stays and shrouds.
Question 4: When rigging a tow line between two vessels, where should the line be made fast on the towing vessel?
- The forward bollards only
- The stern bitts or a dedicated towing hook on the stern (Correct answer)
- The midship cleat to keep the tow centered
- The forward anchor windlass as it is the strongest fitting
Correct answer: The stern bitts or a dedicated towing hook on the stern
Tow lines are made fast to the stern bitts or towing hook designed to handle the dynamic loads and angles involved in towing operations.
Question 5: What is the most important safety rule when using a pelican hook to release a mooring line quickly?
- Always release the pelican hook with the line under full tension for a fast departure
- Ensure the safety latch (pin or ring) is properly secured during normal use and only removed when authorized to let go (Correct answer)
- Grease the hinge weekly to ensure it operates under load
- Only qualified officers may inspect a pelican hook; deckhands must not touch it
Correct answer: Ensure the safety latch (pin or ring) is properly secured during normal use and only removed when authorized to let go
The safety latch must be kept secured at all times during normal mooring to prevent accidental release; it is only removed when ordered to let go.
Question 6: Which line-handling command instructs the crew to slowly release tension and allow the line to run out?
- Heave around
- Ease away (Correct answer)
- Take a strain
- Make fast
Correct answer: Ease away
'Ease away' is the command to slowly and in a controlled manner pay out or slacken a line that is under load.
Question 7: When storing natural fiber line (such as manila) for extended periods, what condition must be avoided?
- Keeping it in a dry, ventilated space
- Storing it coiled on a wooden rack below decks
- Storing it in a damp, enclosed space where mildew and rot can develop (Correct answer)
- Applying light mineral oil before stowing
Correct answer: Storing it in a damp, enclosed space where mildew and rot can develop
Natural fiber lines like manila are susceptible to rot when stored damp and without ventilation, dramatically reducing their strength and service life.
AB Deck Seamanship & Line Handling 5
A 'Flemish coil' (also called a 'cheese' or 'harbour coil') is used primarily for what purpose?