Seamanship: Ropework, Rigging, Anchoring and Deck Maintenance
Domain 9 tests hands-on deck knowledge: ropework, rigging, anchoring and maintenance, with questions on what you would actually do.
Ropes and rigging
Know wire, fibre and synthetic ropes; wire rope lays include regular lay and lang lay; fibre rope may be three-strand or braided. Safe working load is the breaking load divided by a safety factor. Knots and splices include the bowline, sheet bend, clove hitch, round turn and two half hitches, rolling hitch, eye splice and short splice. Inspect for chafe, corrosion, broken wires and UV damage.
Anchoring
Anchor types include stockless, stock, Danforth, Bruce and plow anchors. Scope is the length of cable or chain compared with depth; in normal conditions about 5–7 times depth for chain, more in bad weather. Sand and mud are good holding ground; rock and coral are poor. Check anchor bearings; a steady change in bearing can indicate dragging.
Deck maintenance
Use rust removal, priming and painting, planned maintenance systems, watertight closures, securing of deck cargo, and lubrication of wires and blocks. Keep walkways clear and use PPE.
Worked example
In 10 m depth with a chain scope of 7:1, veer about 70 m of chain. If the anchor bearing begins to change steadily while the vessel remains in the same place, suspect dragging and inform the bridge.
Traps
Confusing scope with total chain length; using a knot where a splice is needed for strength; ignoring chafe at the fairlead; assuming an anchor holds on rock; painting over rust without removing it; forgetting to secure the anchor for sea.