Seamanship Flashcards

What is a 'lee shore' and why is it dangerous?

Answer: A shore onto which the wind is blowing, creating a risk of being driven ashore with limited ability to claw off

A lee shore is a coastline towards which the wind is blowing. It is dangerous because the wind and waves push the vessel towards the shore, and sailing away (clawing off) requires windward ability that may be compromised in heavy weather.

What is a 'jury rig' in seamanship?

Answer: A temporary sail plan fashioned from available materials when the main rig is damaged or lost

A jury rig is a makeshift temporary rig constructed from available materials (spare sails, boathook, spinnaker pole, etc.) when the mast or primary rig has been damaged or lost, enabling the vessel to make port.

When taking a tow, where should the tow line be secured on the vessel being towed?

Answer: To a strong point as close to the vessel's centre of buoyancy as possible, ideally using a bridle arrangement from both bows or the anchor windlass

The tow line should be secured to the strongest point available, ideally using a bridle attached to both bow cleats or a strong central point. This distributes the load and maintains directional stability.

What is the purpose of a 'tripping line' when anchoring?

Answer: A line attached to the crown of the anchor, used to free it if it becomes fouled on the seabed or in an obstruction

A tripping line runs from the crown (bottom) of the anchor to a surface buoy or back to the vessel. If the anchor becomes fouled (caught on rocks, cable, etc.), pulling the tripping line retrieves it crown-first.

What is 'broaching' and how can it be prevented?

Answer: An uncontrolled turn broadside to the waves, usually when running, which can cause a knockdown — prevented by reducing sail, trailing warps, or deploying a drogue

Broaching is when a vessel running before large waves is turned beam-on to the seas, potentially causing a knockdown or capsize. Prevention includes reducing sail, trailing warps, deploying a drogue, and active helming.

What is the procedure for dealing with a fouled propeller at sea?

Answer: Stop the engine immediately, check for rope/debris around the prop, and if safe to do so, attempt to clear it using a knife — consider deploying sails for stability

Stop the engine immediately to prevent damage to the gearbox and shaft seal. Assess the situation, attempt to clear the obstruction if safe (with the engine off), and use sails if needed for stability and propulsion.