General Deck Seamanship and Ground Tackle

Comprehensive review flashcards covering General Deck Seamanship (NAVEDTRA 14067 / 14343A), line-handling commands, ropework, ground tackle, fittings, tackle purchases, and shackle specifications.

What is the FIRST thing you do before commencing any seamanship evolution?

Review all technical manuals and pubs on that evolution.

In line handling, what does the command "Hold" mean?

To take enough turns so that the line will not slip.

In line handling, what does the command "Check" mean?

Hold the line, and allow only enough of it to render around the bitts to prevent the line from parting.

In line handling, what does the command "Ease" mean?

Pay out enough line to remove most of the tension.

In line handling, what does the command "Slack" mean?

Pay out the line allowing it to form an easy bight.

In line handling, what does the command "Take-in" mean?

Retrieve the line after it has been cast off. When used by the conning officer it means to slack the line, cast off the line from the pier and then pull the line back aboard.

In line handling, what does the command "Cast-off" mean?

A command to those tending the mooring lines on the pier or on another ship to disengage or throw off the lines from over the bollards or cleats.

In line handling, what does the command "Avast" mean?

Stop heaving (taking in).

In line handling, what does the command "Heave around" mean?

Take in line (pulling on line).

What is a hawser?

Any line over $5\,\text{inches}$ in diameter. (Used on Mooring and Towing evolution's)

What is the seamanship definition of a line?

A term frequently applied to a natural or synthetic fiber rope.

What is wire in seamanship?

Wire rope made of wire strands twisted together.

What is spring lay rope, and what is its primary use?

A rope combined of fiber and wire. Mainly used as a storm line.

What qualifies as "small stuff"?

Line that is less than $1\frac{3}{4}$ circumference, no larger than $21\,\text{threads}$.

What is the "flemish" method of line handling?

Method of disposing a line by coiling it tightly flat on deck with the second coil inside the first, and so on.

What does it mean to "coil" a line?

Pile a series of loops of the same size on top of each other. "Coiling down a line"

What does it mean to "fake" a line?

To lay out a line in long, flat bights. Used to prepare the line for mooring.

What is a heaving line, and what is its primary use?

Line with a red rubber ball attached to one end. Primary use is to send mooring lines to the pier.

What is a monkey fist?

Weighted knot in the end of a heaving line.

What is marlin?

A two-ply, left-laid line used for sennit, braided cord, or fabrication flat-flaited yarns. Used for seizing, serving, and worming.

What is a bight?

A loop of rope, line or chain.

What is the bitter end of a rope or chain?

The last part of a rope or chain, in contrast to the middle part or bight.

What is an eye?

A loop formed at the end of a rope by joining through splicing or tying a knot.

What is an eye splice?

A loop formed at the end of a rope by joining the end of the rope with the body of the rope.

What is the purpose of a long splice?

Used to join two lines together whenever it is required that the spliced section be only slightly larger in diameter than the remainder of the rope, in order to pass through blocks and fairleads.

What is a short splice used for?

Used to join two lines together.

What is a marlinespike?

Tapered and pointed metal tool used to splice wire rope.

What is a fid?

Tapered and pointed wood tool used to splice line.

What is mousing?

Line fashioned around a hook or shackle to prevent the load from falling off or the shackle pin from being undone.

What material are accommodation ladders made of?

Aluminum

What supports the upper platform on an accommodation ladder?

The wishbone

What are the components of a block?

Sheave, pin, check, keeper, strap, cheek

How do you measure a block?

By measuring the cheek

How do you determine what size block to use for fiber line?

Multiply the size of line by $3$.

How do you determine what size block to use for wire rope?

The diameter of the sheave should never be less than $20$ times the diameter of the wire rope.

What is a gun tackle, and what is its mechanical advantage?

A single block over a single block, mechanical advantage-($2:1$).

What is a luff tackle (jigger), and what is its mechanical advantage?

A double over a single, mechanical advantage- ($3:1$).

What is a twofold purchase, and what is its mechanical advantage?

A double over a double, mechanical advantage- ($4:1$).

What block arrangement constitutes a double luff?

A treble over a double.

What block arrangement constitutes a threefold purchase?

A treble over a treble.

What is a bit used for?

Used to secure line or wire during mooring evolution (figure eight's).

What is a chock used for?

Used to fairlead line or wire during mooring evolution.

What is a cleat?

A device used for belaying a line or wire, consisting essentially of a pair or projecting horns.

How many types of chocks are there, and what are they?

$3$—open, closed, roller

What are the 3 types of shackles used?

Safety anchor, screw pin, round pin

What is the Safe Working Load (SWL) for a $\frac{5}{8}\text{-inch}$ shackle?

$$5\,\text{ton}$$

What is the Safe Working Load (SWL) for a $\frac{3}{4}\text{-inch}$ shackle?

$$7\,\text{ton}$$

What is the Safe Working Load (SWL) for a $\frac{7}{8}\text{-inch}$ shackle?

$$9\,\text{ton}$$

What type of shackle requires a nut, bolt and cotter pin?

Safety anchor shackle

What is the formula for determining breaking strength?

$BS = L \times SF$ (breaking strength-load $\times$ safety factor)