Make the lashings taut so that the object will not
“work” with the pitch and roll of the ship.
Frequently check all lashings, and tighten as
necessary.
Use chafing gears on sharp corners and rough
surfaces.
Never make fast your lashings to electric cables
or small slightly secured pipes, lagged pipes,
door and hatch dogs or hinges, electric motors,
lifeline stanchions, or anything not solidly
secured.
Never block access to vents, fireplugs, switches,
valves, doors, or hatches.
Never underestimate the force of the sea! Secure
everything properly the first time and be safe.
REVIEW 3 QUESTIONS
Q1. List the three advantages of using nylon line over
natural fiber line.
a.
b.
c.
Q2. When a natural fiber line will bear on sharp edges
or run over rough surfaces, what action should
you take to protect the line from damage?
Q3. Under what condition should you use a wire
rope?
Q4. You are right-handed. When tying a bowline, the
overhand loop should be in what direction?
Q5. You are going to join two separate lines together
using a becket bend. What is the first step you
should take?
SUMMARY
Becoming an accomplished seaman takes time,
hard work, and patience. At some time in your career,
you could be a member of a detail where handling lines
will be required, or you may work with deck equipment
and lines on a daily basis. Knowing how to use deck
equipment and handle lines safely is essential.
Lines are used in the Navy for many reasons—from
mooring aircraft carriers to securing bookshelves at sea.
Without the wide variety of lines available to us, our
way of doing our jobs would be extremely difficult.
Each piece of deck equipment or fitting has been
designed for a specific purpose. A set of bits on a
destroyer is used primarily for mooring, where a set of
bits on a tug is used almost exclusively for towing.
Becoming familiar with deck equipment and its use, and
knowing how to makeup and use lines is not only a sign
of good seamanship but could, in case of emergencies,
make the difference between saving or losing the ship or
your shipmates.
Each person in the Navy is first and foremost a
seaman and then a technician in his or her specific rate.
Become proficient in seamanship. It may help you in
your daily duties and most certainly assist you in times
of difficulty.
REVIEW 1 ANSWERS
A1. Ground tackle used on board ship includes—
a.
Anchors
b.
Anchor cable and chains
c.
Chain stoppers
d.
Bending shackles
e.
Outboard swivel shots
f.
Detachable links
7-20
Student Notes:
