CHAPTER 4
MARLINESPIKE SEAMANSHIP
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this chapter, you should be able to do the following:
1. Describe the different types of line that the Navy uses.
2. Describe the care and handling of natural and synthetic lines. Identify how
to work out kinks and twists in line.
3. Explain how to splice line.
4. Identify the practical knots, bends, and hitches that are used in typical Sea-
mans work.
5. Describe different types of seizing and explain their uses.
6. Explain how wire rope is constructed and used.
polyester (Dacron), and polypropylene have been
INTRODUCTION
substituted for manila in most applications.
This chapter deals with the art of knotting and
splicing, an age-old craft in which all mariners must be
CONSTRUCTION OF LINE
proficient. Rope is manufactured from wire, fiber, and
Line currently used in the Navy may be three-
chapter, you should be able to explain the construction
strand, four-strand, braided, or plaited. In three-strand
of line and wire rope and understand their use and care.
line, the fibers are fast twisted to the right to form yarns.
You will gain knowledge in supervising line-handling
Next, the yarns are twisted to the left to form strands.
details, along with the terminology and safety factors to
Then, the strands are twisted to the right to form line.
be observed. You will also learn how to tie many useful
The procedure just described is standard and is used
knots and how to splice line.
strand right-laid line is made. The system is reversed
FIBER ROPE (LINE)
when left-laid line is made. In either instance, the
Fiber rope--or line, as it is commonly called--is
fashioned from natural or synthetic (man-made) fibers.
When we refer to line, we mean rope made from either
of these two fibers. Lines made from a variety of natural
fibers (cotton, agave, jute, hemp, and abaca) have seen
service in the Navy in the past, and some still are used.
For example, tarred hemp is known as marline and
ratline. Manila (made from the fibers of the abaca plant)
formerly was authorized for use only where great
strength was required. Now, manila is authorized for
general purposes and serves as lashings, frapping lines,
steadying lines, and riding lines on fueling rigs.
Synthetic lines made of nylon, armaid (Kevlar),
Figure 4-1.--Fiber groupings in a three-strand line.
4-1