AB Deck Seamanship & Line Handling 5

Question 1

A 'Flemish coil' (also called a 'cheese' or 'harbour coil') is used primarily for what purpose?

Accepted Answer

Laying a line flat on deck in a spiral for neatness and trip hazard prevention

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Kinks permanently weaken the wire at that point, risking sudden failure under load

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

A fitting that allows fine tension adjustment of stays and shrouds

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

The stern bitts or a dedicated towing hook on the stern

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the safety latch (pin or ring) is properly secured during normal use and only removed when authorized to let go

Answer

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.

(AB) Able Seaman Exam Practice Test