Ropework
Ropes
are
an
essential
piece
of
equipment
on
a
boat,
and
it
is
important
that
knowledge
about
the
care and suitability of their role is understood.
Knowing
the
parts
of
a
rope
and
the
method
of
construction
will
enable
you
to
manage
and
repair
ropes when needed.
The presentation covers the topics listed below.
When
first
docking
it
can
be
helpful,
if
you
have
a
person
ashore,
to
heave
a
line
to
them
so
as
to
get
the first line ashore.
This
method
is
often
used
on
larger
vessels
when
the
heaving
line
is
then
used
to
pull
a
larger
mooring line ashore.
There
are
,as
well,
‘Throw
Bag’
lines
that
are
used
in
rescue
operations.
These
lines
are
usually
a
bright
colour
and
float.
Stored
in
a
bag
they
are
ready
to
use
at
any
time
without
having
to
coil
the
line
before using.
There
is
a
proven
method
for
preparing
and
throwing
the
heaving
line
or
‘Throw
Bag’
line.
Like
most
activities
once
the
method
is
known,
practice
makes perfect.
Lines
constructed
from
natural
materials,
synthetics,
or
wire
all
require
ongoing
maintenance
to
preserve
their
qualities
and
ensure
they
remain
suitable
for
their intended use.
Issues
such
as
neglecting
maintenance,
overloading,
abrasion,
avoidable
shock
and
strains,
dirty
lines
from
grit,
salt
and
sand,
exposure
to
chemicals,
kinks, incorrect stowage etc.
Whipping is very important to prevent fraying.
Also
referred
to
as
a
harness
line,
lanyard,
or
tether,
its
purpose
is
to
ensure
the
wearer
stays
connected
to a vessel under typical conditions.
To
achieve
this,
the
safety
line
must
be
firmly
attached
to
a
properly
worn
safety
harness,
which
can
include
a
life
jacket
with
an
integrated
harness,
and
secured
to
a
strong,
appropriate
point
on
the
boat, a jack-stay for example.
Safety
lines
that
meet
ISO
Standards
should
not
exceed
2
meters
in
length,
although
longer
lengths
may
sometimes
be
necessary.
The
hooks
on
the
safety
line
are
designed
to
prevent
accidental
opening.
An
ISO-certified
safety
line
includes
hooks
that
have
been
specifically
designed
and
tested
to
avoid
unintended release.
When
first
docking
it
is
frequently
necessary
to
lasso
a Bit or Cleat to get the first line ashore.
This
is
preferable
to
jumping
onto
the
berth
which
could cause an accident.
There
is
a
proven
method
for
maximizing
the
chances of completing this successfully.
Like
most
activities
once
the
method
is
known,
practice makes perfect.
The word ‘line’ refers to any rope used on a ship.
Lines
consist
of
fibres
twisted
clockwise
into
‘yarns’,
which
are
then
twisted
with
one
or
more
others
to
form ‘strands’.
These
strands
are
subsequently
again
twisted
with
other strands to create the finished rope’.
Information is given about;
•
Safe handling
•
Various parts
•
Synthetic
•
Natural fibre