Essential Training Guide for Standardized Auxiliary Boat Operations: Types and Maintenance of Line
This comprehensive training guide covers critical aspects of standardized auxiliary boat operations. It focuses on the types of line, categorized by material (natural and synthetic) and construction (braided and twisted). The guide details properties, advantages, and disadvantages of various lines including cotton, sisal, manila, nylon, and more. It emphasizes the importance of selection criteria for tow lines, bridle lines, and docking lines, alongside maintenance tips and techniques for proper storage. This resource is vital for ensuring safety and efficiency in marine operations.
Essential Training Guide for Standardized Auxiliary Boat Operations: Types and Maintenance of Line
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Presentation Transcript
SABOT Standardized Auxiliary Boat Operations Training Ninth District - Eastern Region COMO. Lew Wargo, Sr. DSO-OP/CQEC 15 April 2014 MARLINESPIKE
SABOT Marlinspike
TYPES of LINE A. Typed by Material: Natural Synthetic B. Typed by Construction: Braided Twisted
TYPES of LINE • Twisted tends to be less expensive than braided. • Braided is smoother to handle • Both have equal strength
TYPES of LINE Cotton: • Natural fiber • Weak • Low cost • Only good for heaving lines and decoration
TYPES of LINE Sisal: • Natural fiber • Inexpensive • Coarse • Susceptible to rot (not commonly used)
TYPES of LINE Manila: • Natural fiber • Strongest of natural fibers • Standard for comparison of most lines • Susceptible to rot (should be replaced yearly)
TYPES of LINE Nylon: • Most near all-purpose synthetic line • Costly • High stretch (ability to absorb shock) • 3 times strength of similar sized manila • Resistant to sunlight • Does not weaken with mildew • Easy to work
TYPES of LINE Dacron: • Synthetic material • Slightly weaker than nylon (about 80%) • Very little stretch • Less Resistant to sunlight than nylon • Wears well (chafe and abrasion resistant) • Costly
TYPES of LINE Polyethylene: • Synthetic material • Used in smaller sizes (ski tow ropes) • Floats • About 1 ½ the strength of manila • Holds up well to the environment (sun, etc.) • Low cost
TYPES of LINE Polypropylene: • Synthetic material that comes in many colors • Floats and is much less costly than nylon • Wear resistant but slippery • Becomes stiff with age, use and sunlight • Looses strength when stretched • Fuses (melts) under heavy loads • Lower cost NOTE: If used for towline, record length and check after use for stretch (weakening)
TYPES of LINE Polyester: Wears well and resistant to chaffing and sun Floats Very low stretch (makes a poor towline)
LINE COMPARISON BREAKING TYPESIZESTRENGTH Nylon 5/8” 9,000 Polypropylene 5/8” 5,040 Dacron 5/8” 7,200 Nylon 7/8” 17,015 Polypropylene 7/8” 9,528 Dacron 7/8” 13,612
LINE COMPARISON POLY- FACTORMANILADACRONPROPNYLON Stretch 1X 1.2X 1.3X 3X Durability 1X 4.2X 5X 4.5X
TOWLINE Select for strength, cost & shock absorbing Inspect regularly Store for easy and quick use. Store w/bridle if bridle is used in rig Eye should be spliced in the end Store w/pendant if used
BRIDLES • Used on some tows and many towboats • Used to center tow • Should be same strength as towline • If hardware is used, hardware should be stronger than the line • Have different sizes
PENDANTS • Short length of towline used to prevent wear on long towline • Could be 1/2 of a bridle
ANCHOR LINE • Dedicated for anchoring • Pre-connected & ready for quick use utilizing a swivel and shackle that is moused. • Strong enough to hold vessel • Ability to absorb shock • Long enough to give scope of 7:1 or 10:1 • Have a second line
DOCK LINES • Dedicated for docking use. (If you leave lines on your dock have another set for use in other locations.) • Strong enough to hold your boat (Double-up at times) • Ability to absorb shock loads
ALONGSIDE TOW LINES • Dedicated use • Sets of 4 lines • Different sizes (Have a smaller size for towing small boats) • Should be approximately as long as the facility
MAINTENANCE • Keep clean and inspect regularly (Clean dirt from lines as dirt wears lines) • Use the proper size and type for the job • Whip or taps ends to keep from unraveling
STORING LINES • Store ready for quick use • Free of tangles and easy to pay out • Coiled (Discuss how to coil) • Dedicated for specific use (anchor, tow, docking, Alongside towing, etc.)
KNOTS & HITCHES Bowline: used to make a temporary loop Clove Hitch: Used to attach line around Objects Double Sheet Bend: Used to connect two lines. (Single sheet bend is difficult to undo if loaded)
KNOTS & HITCHES Round Turn w/two Half Hitches: Used to attach line to an object. Cleat Hitch: Used to attach line to a cleat. (Use 3 figure 8s) (NEVER use w/weather hitch). Weather Hitch: Locking half hitches used on a flag pole or jack staff (Never on a cleat).
SPLICES • Much stronger than knots or hitches • Permanent connection • 3 Strand line is much easier and quicker to splice with practice.