AB Marlinspike Seamanship and Knots 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A 'figure-eight knot' is used as a stopper knot primarily to:
- Prevent a line from running through a block or fairlead (Correct answer)
- Join two lines of equal size
- Form a fixed loop
- Secure a line to a bollard
Correct answer: Prevent a line from running through a block or fairlead
The figure-eight knot creates a bulky stopper at the end of a line that prevents it from passing through a block, eye, or similar fitting.
Question 2: What is 'parceling' in the rope-maintenance process?
- Wrapping tarred canvas spirally along the rope (Correct answer)
- Filling grooves between strands with small stuff
- Applying marline tightly over canvas wrapping
- Coating the rope with pine tar
Correct answer: Wrapping tarred canvas spirally along the rope
Parceling is the second step—wrapping the rope with strips of tarred canvas (with the lay) to keep moisture out after worming.
Question 3: When securing a line to a ring using a half hitch, how many half hitches provide a secure hold?
- Two half hitches (Correct answer)
- One half hitch
- Three half hitches
- Four half hitches
Correct answer: Two half hitches
Two half hitches form a reliable hitch around a ring or rail and are a standard seamanship fastening.
Question 4: Nylon rope is preferred for anchor rodes and tow lines primarily because of its:
- High elasticity that absorbs shock loads (Correct answer)
- Low stretch that maintains tension
- Resistance to UV degradation
- Ability to float on the surface
Correct answer: High elasticity that absorbs shock loads
Nylon stretches significantly under load, acting as a shock absorber that reduces peak stress on deck fittings and anchors.
Question 5: Which knot is known as the 'king of knots' for forming a secure, non-slipping loop at the end of a line?
- Bowline (Correct answer)
- Square knot
- Clove hitch
- Sheet bend
Correct answer: Bowline
The bowline creates a fixed loop that will not slip or jam and can be untied easily, making it one of the most important knots in seamanship.
Question 6: A 'thimble' is inserted in an eye splice to:
- Protect the line from chafe where a shackle or hook bears on it (Correct answer)
- Increase the strength of the splice
- Make the eye larger
- Allow the eye to rotate freely
Correct answer: Protect the line from chafe where a shackle or hook bears on it
A thimble—a grooved metal or plastic insert—prevents the sharp radius of a hook or shackle from cutting into the rope fibers.
Question 7: What is the 'safe working load' (SWL) of a line in relation to its breaking strength?
- A fraction of breaking strength reduced by a safety factor (Correct answer)
- Equal to the breaking strength
- Twice the breaking strength
- The load that causes permanent deformation
Correct answer: A fraction of breaking strength reduced by a safety factor
SWL is the breaking strength divided by a safety factor (typically 5:1 for fiber rope), giving the maximum recommended working load.
AB Marlinspike Seamanship and Knots 4
A 'figure-eight knot' is used as a stopper knot primarily to: