Throwing a line and passing mooring lines
1The lesson in plain words
A good throw lands across the target the first time. Split the coil between your hands, throw underarm and keep the end aboard.
Prepare
Coil the line again just before you throw it, so it is free of twists. Make the inboard end fast to a cleat before throwing, then keep your feet clear of the line. Let the person ashore or on the other boat know you are about to throw.
Split the coil
Divide the coil into two parts: about half in your throwing hand, the rest loose in your other hand, open so it pays out. Throw the first half underarm or with a smooth sidearm swing. The rest runs out after it.
Aim
With an ordinary unweighted mooring line, throw a little beyond and across the receiver, so the line falls across their outstretched arms. A short throw lands in the water and must be pulled back and coiled again. Allow for the wind: aim upwind of the person.
Heaving line and throw bag
A heaving line is a light line used to pass a heavy mooring line across a gap. Its throwing end has a rope knot or soft throwing weight; never add metal or other hard weights. Throw the weighted end into clear space beyond the receiver, away from their head. A throw bag holds floating line: hold the end and throw the bag. For rescue use, see Emergencies: man overboard.
Passing mooring lines
Do not jump ashore from a moving boat: it causes many injuries. Step off when the boat is alongside and stopped, or pass the line. Give a helper ashore the eye or loop, and keep the end aboard so you control it. Never throw a line near a turning propeller.
2Key data
- Before throwing
- Recoil, end made fast, warn the catcher
- Split the coil
- About half to throw, half to pay out
- Aim
- Beyond and upwind of the target
3Key points
- 1
Recoil, make the end fast and warn the catcher before you throw.
- 2
Split the coil: throw one half, let the other half pay out.
- 3
Aim beyond and upwind of the target.
- 4
Do not jump ashore; step off when stopped or pass the line.
4Frequent mistakes
Wrong: Throw the whole coil in one bundle.
Right: A bundle falls short and tangles. Split it so it pays out.
Wrong: Jump ashore as the boat comes in.
Right: Jumping causes falls and injuries. Wait until you can step off, or pass the line.
5Practice case & exam keys
Coming alongside a pontoon in a light offshore breeze, the boat stops 2 m off. A marina helper waits on the pontoon. You hold the coiled bow line.
Show the answer
Check the inboard end is made fast. Recoil and split the line, warn the helper, then throw the unweighted line underarm beyond and upwind of their reach, so it falls across their outstretched arms. Keep clear as it pays out. Do not jump the gap. If the throw falls short, recover the line and recoil before trying again.
Exam keys
- Make the inboard end fast before throwing.
- Split the coil; throw underarm.
- Aim beyond and upwind of the target.
- Never jump ashore from a moving boat.
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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