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Knots

Knowing how to tie a few basic knots is essential to a boater's security. Following are simplified instructions for tying a few commonly used knots.

• Tying to a Horn Cleat
• Buntline Hitch A repeat using a JAVA script which allows control of the speed and direction, and allows stop-action.
• Splicing Double Braid
• (Full) Carrick Bend
• Buntline Hitch
• Anchor Bend - This knot is used to secure a rope or a line to an anchor.
  1. Pass two loops through ring.
  2. Place free end around standing line.
  3. Pass free end through loops.
  4. Complete by making half hitch.
• Rolling Hitch
• Clove Hitch - This knot is the "general utility" hitch for when youneed a quick, simple method of fastening a rope around a post,spar or stake. To tie:
  1. Make a turn with the rope around the object and over itself.
  2. Take a second turn with the rope around the object.
  3. Pull the end up under the second turn so it is between the rope and the object. Tighten by pulling on both ends.
• Bowline on a Bight.
• Sheet Bend, and a modification:
• Becket Bend on a Bight as a towline towing bridle connection.
• Two Half Hitches - This reliable knot is quickly tied and is the hitchmost often used in mooring.
  1. Pass end of rope around post or other object.
  2. Wrap short end of rope under and over long part of rope, pushing the end down through the loop. This is a half hitch.
  3. Repeat on long rope below first half hitch and draw up tight.

• Bowline - This knot doesn't jam or slip when tied properly.
  1. Make the overhand loop with the end held toward you, then pass end through loop.
  2. Now pass end up behind the standing part, then down through the loop again.
  3. Draw up tight.

• Figure Eight - This knot is ideal for keeping the end of a rope from running out of tackle or pulley.
  1. Make underhand loop, bringing end around and over the standing part.
  2. Pass end under, then up through the loop.
  3. Draw up tight.

• Square Knot - This knot is used at sea in reefing and furling sails.
  1. Pass left and over and under right end. Curve what is now the left end toward the right and cross what is now the right end over and under the left.
  2. Draw up tight.

We Need You-- The Coast Guard Auxiliary is called upon to provide essential services to the Coast Guard as they focus more heavily on their military missions.  We need all the help we can get. You needn't own a boat or be an experienced boater, since our missions are wide-ranging.  For information about Auxiliary missions and the Auxiliary in general, go to our Join the Auxiliary web page. You will find there a form through which you can ask that a local Auxiliarist make contact with you to explore the ways in which you can assist Team Coast Guard.

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