USCG Exam PracticeKnots, Bends, and Hitches
A line is being used as a dock line and is placed under significant load. The mariner later needs to cast it off quickly. Which characteristic of knots, as stated in the Boatswain's Mate Manual, makes them preferable to splices in this situation?
- A. Knots retain full line strength under wet conditions
- ✓ Knots are tied for ease of inspection and untying after loadCorrect
- C. Knots provide greater shock absorption than splices
- D. Knots are more permanent and reliable than splices under sustained load
Why B is correct
The Boatswain's Mate Manual states that knots are tied for ease of inspection and untying after load, which is the reason they are preferred over splices when the line must be cast off. Splices are stronger and permanent, making them harder to undo.