Tying knots is one of the oldest and most versatile skills in shipping. Extensive knowledge of knotwork opens up the full versatility of rope in many applications and is a vital skill in shipping and cargo handling.
Knots are one of the most versatile aspects of rope work and one that plays important roles in a broad array of fields. Knots enable the rope to do all kinds of things; the various types of utilitarian knots serve various purposes from attaching ropes to the ends of other objects to securely constricting and holding other objects in place. A judiciously applied knot can be as secure as it needs to be and more.
People from varying occupations have relied extensively on the utility of knots; arborists, linemen, stage crew, climbers, rescue professionals, and sailors have dealt with knots as part of their day-to-day tasks. And nowhere is knotwork more influential than in shipping. Since time immemorial, shipping has relied extensively on rope knots to securely fasten and hold cargo in place.
Knotting Advantage
Knotting is a key component in secure shipping. A well-tied knot can match the utility gained from other methods of lengthening a rope without as much of a hassle. In addition, knots are also easy to undo; a knowledgeable person would know how to untie knots with relative ease, allowing the company to preserve and reuse entire lengths of rope. Ideally, the knot chosen for the purpose should hold when pulled tightly—especially with the force of gravity applied—and release when tugged at the right junction.
In the field of freight and shipping, knots are essential for holding objects securely and tightly, which make them easier to move around while minimizing the likelihood of damage in transit. Knowledge of a variety of knots can allow freight workers to create intricate systems of securing ropes to hold cargo in place.
Knotting Challenges
One of the main challenges surrounding knots is that they affect the strength of the rope they are made of. The more knots are there pulling at the rope, the less strength the length of rope has overall.
Without paying attention to the number of knots present, the rope may fail. It is thus important to grade the ropes used in cargo to have a breaking strain that is no less than 15 times that of the weight of the load. For ropes with knotwork to pass rigging inspections for weights equal to that of a man, its breaking strain must be more than a ton.
Learning the Skill
Many fields such as shipping and logistics rely on knotwork extensively. In addition, knots can prove to be useful in a variety of everyday situations. Thus, learning how to tie knots is an incredibly useful skill to develop by everyone.
People of all ages have taken to learning about knotwork in a variety of ways. Young children learning wilderness survival skills are often taught basic knotwork. Meanwhile, many adults today are turning to the Internet to learn the basics of the most common types of utilitarian knots. Although some people find it easier to follow knotting diagrams, others prefer to learn knotting hands-on, while watching a more skilled person demonstrate a knot before them.
On average, individual laypersons would only need to learn a few basic types of knot for everyday purposes (securing things in transit, tying shoes, etc.). People who need to work with knots extensively, on the other hand, would need to memorize not only the basic types of knots but the commonly encountered variations and combinations.
