WHAT IS MARLINSPIKE SEAMANSHIP?

Workers splicing 20″ hemp cable at HMC Dockyard in 1941 image courtesy Library and Archives Canada

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Editor's Note: This post has been updated since original publication and is being established for constant up dating and expansion in the MERCHANT MARINE SECTION. Last update as a post 12/21/2014. For the latest version of this post check the Merchant Marine Interest Section

Marlinespike seamanship includes but is not limited to knot tying and splicing, it covers the entire subject of the use of "line" (fiber rope) and wire rope in the realm of seamanship. This is not a subject that one can truly master by reading a book but to become a true master some study of certain books and rigging manuals is necessary. That level of skill is rarely needed by the recreational boater. At the professional level the subject includes some important mathematical computations like the computation of breaking strain and safe working load and safety factors. Certainly when hoisting anything of value or human beings using "running rigging" a mariner wants to know that the rigging will safely hold the load. Another computation that especially the professional must master is the computation of mechanical advantage in rigging blocks and tackles. This computation will tell you how much force will be needed to hoist or pull a load rigged for block and tackle.

We have scoured the internet and will continue to do so find the free instructional videos that will help anyone to learn basic marlinespike seamanship as it applies to the ordinary or able seaman or the recreational boater. We have also tried to assemble the videos available to help the basically competent gain skills in the more professional levels of splicing, rigging and decorative "fancy work". This video library is designed to be used as a course of self paced self instruction and as a ready reference work when attempting something unfamiliar. It is meant as a resource for professional mariners including Navy and Coast Guard rated boatswain's mates and recreational boaters alike. Use whatever you need or like. We have divided the videos into various topics and we indicate their approximate lengths. This is a perennial work in progress we post new works when we find them , expand on subjects as new free videos are posted and occasionally may have to pull and replace videos. Check back often and good luck with your mastery of marlinespike seamanship:

PD, sailors learning knotting & splicing in a rigging loft

COILING: (about 2 minutes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adxIvci03Qc

"TAMING YOUR ROPES" (5 Minutes, more on coiling and stowing) _
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSqaax1al3Q

HOW TO FLEMISH A LINE: (about 1 minute)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApddwRSiARE

The Figure 8 Flake: (38 seconds)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpmpni75K48

SHORT INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS:
BASIC KNOTS:

PD USN

7 Basic Knots: 7 minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1a2vrhhkIU

Quick Release Knots: 8 minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx6Sof1ZWSY

9 most useful sailing knots; 9 minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRrVyz9cVtU&spfreload=10

Tying A Mooring Line To A Cleat 2 Minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMwXjckgiOs

LONGER AND MORE COMPREHENSIVE INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS:

Old Training Film covering numerous knots, rigging boatswain's chairs, etc., 24 minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbjLb2DG4ic

SPLICING

Image USN

THE EYE SPLICE IN # STRAND RIGHT LAID LINE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UracDq6QAz4

Mooring Eye with Thimble: 14 minutes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Bv_kf23PAM

RIGGING BLOCKS AND TACKLES:

Computing Mechanical advantage and understanding pulley systems: 19 minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rztJ4FzAwE

The Crosby Group Basic Principles of Block and Tackle Training Video 35 Minutes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWi53qx_Xv0

DECORATIVE OR"FANCY WORK:

Some examples : 2 minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTnrgSJLvkc

How to make the "monkey's fist: 1minute
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp9w-T2d_NY

How to Tie the Spinal Sinnet by TIAT

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E945YzTuUcg&spfreload=10

COXCOMBING:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHPeKSq7ReY

Many more links to videos on "Fancy Work" with any of the above selections. coxcombing and the Monkey's fist are the most commonly known and useful aspects of "Fancy Work " for sailors.