USCG Exam Practice · Knots, Bends, and Hitches
A vessel's nylon dock lines are inspected after a period of heavy use. The inspector notes the lines have been under sustained load while wet. Which of the following accurately describes the expected condition of nylon line under these circumstances?
- ANylon retains full rated strength when wet and does not stretch under load.
- BNylon loses approximately 10–15% of its strength when wet and stretches under load.✓ correct
- CNylon breaks down under UV exposure and loses buoyancy when wet.
- DNylon has lower strength than polypropylene when wet and is prone to mildew.
Why B is correct
USCG Boatswain Manual Ch. 1 §1.2 states that nylon's primary weaknesses are loss of strength when wet (approximately 10–15%) and stretching under load. UV breakdown and loss of buoyancy are characteristics of polypropylene, not nylon. Nylon is also resistant to mildew.
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