Read the lead before naming the line
1The lesson in plain words
A mooring line pulls in the direction it runs, called its lead. That direction tells you which movement it can restrain.
Start with the movement
A berth is the place where you secure the boat. Ahead means forwards; astern means backwards. Which line would tighten if you moved ahead, astern or away from the berth? A taut (tight) line resists movement that increases the distance between its ends; it cannot push.
Bow and stern lines
The bow is the front of the boat; the stern is the back. Forward means towards the bow; aft means towards the stern. A bow line leads to a shore point ahead; a stern line leads to one astern. Their angles determine how much they restrain movement along and away from the berth.
Spring and breast lines
Springs run mainly along the berth and limit movement ahead or astern. A line from forward leading aft checks movement ahead; one from aft leading forward checks movement astern. Breast lines run more nearly across the gap and limit movement away from the berth.
2Key data
- 1 · Bow line
- From the bow towards a point ahead
- 2 · Stern line
- From the stern towards a point astern
- 3 · Springs
- Along the berth; check ahead and astern movement
- 4 · Breast line
- Across the gap; checks movement away from the berth
3Key points
- 1
Follow the lead: names alone do not explain the restraint.
- 2
A line pulls; it does not push.
- 3
Springs restrain movement along the berth.
4Frequent mistakes
Wrong: A line from the bow stops every kind of movement.
Right: Its effect depends on its lead and which movement would tighten it.
Wrong: A spring must lead towards the nearest shore fitting.
Right: Its long lead along the berth is what restrains fore-and-aft movement.
5Practice case & exam keys
The boat is creeping ahead. One prepared line runs from forward to a shore point aft; another runs from aft to a point forward. Which could check the creep, and why?
Show the answer
The line from forward leading aft could check it: moving ahead increases the distance between its ends. Confirm the actual lead and agreed arrangement; do not reach into a loaded line.
Exam keys
- Predict which movement tightens the line.
- From forward leading aft: checks movement ahead.
- From aft leading forward: checks movement astern.
Finish this unit
When you've read it, match the terms, then answer three questions. Get them all right to finish the unit; opening the page alone doesn't count.
My notes for this unit
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