REVIEW 3 QUESTIONS

SECURING FOR SEA You are required to learn these knots, bends, and hitches so that you can use them when and where necessary. Rest assured that a person who goes to sea will find frequent use for them in securing equipment to prevent damage from rough waters. How the equipment is secured depends on the gear and the places of stowage. By observing the few tips that follow and by using a little common sense, you should be able to do a good job of securing your equipment for sea. Use line strong enough to hold the gear. Make certain the line is in good condition. Make fast the belay objects from at least two points that, preferably, are near the object. Lash tightly all objects against something solid (such as the bulkhead). 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. 7-15 Student Notes: