USCG Exam PracticeKnots, Bends, and Hitches
A mariner is selecting line for a dock application and is considering polypropylene because it floats. Which property of polypropylene, as stated in the Boatswain's Mate Manual, represents its most significant operational limitation compared to nylon for this use?
- A. Polypropylene absorbs water and loses approximately 10–15% of its strength when wet
- ✓ Polypropylene has lower strength and breaks down under UV exposureCorrect
- C. Polypropylene has poor shock absorption and is susceptible to mildew
- D. Polypropylene cannot be spliced and must be terminated with knots only
Why B is correct
The Boatswain's Mate Manual states that polypropylene has lower strength than nylon and breaks down under UV exposure, which are its primary limitations for dock line use. The 10–15% wet strength loss and stretching are weaknesses of nylon, not polypropylene. Mildew resistance and splicability are not cited as polypropylene limitations in the source.