AB Marlinspike Seamanship and Knots 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which knot is best used to join two lines of different diameters?
- Sheet bend (Correct answer)
- Square knot
- Clove hitch
- Bowline
Correct answer: Sheet bend
The sheet bend is specifically designed to join lines of unequal size or material.
Question 2: What is the purpose of 'seizing' two lines together?
- Permanently binding two lines side by side (Correct answer)
- Joining two lines end to end
- Creating a loop at the end of a line
- Preventing a line from fraying
Correct answer: Permanently binding two lines side by side
Seizing is a method of binding two lines together using small-diameter twine or wire, typically to hold them in parallel.
Question 3: A 'long splice' is used primarily because it:
- Maintains nearly the original diameter of the rope (Correct answer)
- Is faster to make than a short splice
- Can be undone quickly
- Requires no special tools
Correct answer: Maintains nearly the original diameter of the rope
A long splice tapers the strands so the finished splice is almost the same diameter as the original rope, allowing it to pass through blocks.
Question 4: What type of line is most susceptible to damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation?
- Polypropylene (Correct answer)
- Manila
- Wire rope
- Chain
Correct answer: Polypropylene
Polypropylene rope degrades faster than most other synthetic fibers when exposed to prolonged UV radiation.
Question 5: The 'bitter end' of a line refers to:
- The inboard end secured to the vessel (Correct answer)
- The working end used to tie knots
- The frayed end of an old rope
- The free end thrown ashore
Correct answer: The inboard end secured to the vessel
The bitter end is the last and inboard end of a rope or chain, secured to the ship's structure.
Question 6: Which splice is used to create a permanent eye in the end of a line?
- Eye splice (Correct answer)
- Back splice
- Short splice
- Long splice
Correct answer: Eye splice
An eye splice forms a permanent loop (eye) at the end of a rope by tucking the strands back into the standing part.
Question 7: When coiling a right-laid rope, the correct direction to coil is:
- Clockwise (with the lay) (Correct answer)
- Counter-clockwise (against the lay)
- Either direction equally
- Figure-eight only
Correct answer: Clockwise (with the lay)
Right-laid rope should be coiled clockwise to follow the lay of the strands and prevent kinking.
AB Marlinspike Seamanship and Knots 2
Which knot is best used to join two lines of different diameters?