FTV January 19

As previously mentioned in one of my recent blogs, a part of the training the freshmen receive is about Marine Transportation. The 1/C Deck Training Rates responsible for providing an introductory course to the freshman are Matthew Cabral, Sam Darling, Tim Dexter, Katja Juergens, Jonathan Moffitt, Matthew Morrow, Daniel Reynolds, Michael Sawyer and Mark Wayland; these students have mastered the basics of seamanship allowing them to effectively teach the 4/C.

 On deck Students gain hands on training in knot tying. They learn that rope is now called line and how to tie basic knots used every day while at sea. They will master typing  the bowline knot, square knot, clover hitch and lashings. In addition students will learn how to increase the life of a piece of line by splicing it or whipping it. Both of these methods prevent the line from unraveling and fraying at the ends.

Throughout Marine history sailors have used lines (known as ropes by landlubbers) onboard ships for hauling sails, holding down rigging, raising and lowering anchors and a variety of other jobs. Since lines must hold in strong winds and when wet, knowing how to tie all kinds of knots is important.

Sailors would also use their knot tying skills to produce beautiful "knot art" when they had time off.
There are certain guidelines for choosing and tying knots. There are specific knots for specific uses. Here are some examples.

• Stopper: Stopper knots, such as the overhand or figure 8, prevent the end of the line from slipping through the eye or a hole.
• Hitches: Hitches, such as the larks head, cleat hitch or the clove hitch, secure a line to something, i.e., a spar or deck ring.
• Loops: Loops, such as a bowline, can be dropped over an object, such as a bollard.
• Bends: Bends, such as a sheet bend, join two ropes to form a longer piece.

To try your hand at knot tying click on these links below for some great tutorials!

Basic Scout Knots
Basic sailing knots
Sea Cadet knots
Then try this knot tying challenge