🔍 Key Concepts
• Elasticity of mooring lines (how much they stretch under load)
• Load sharing between lines when a vessel surges, heaves, or yaws alongside
• Consequences of one line taking more load than the others (snap-back, parting, damage)
💭 Think About
• Picture two lines leading the same way: one is very stretchy, one is almost non‑stretch. When the ship moves, which one will tighten first and carry most of the load? What happens to the other?
• Ask yourself: in a surge or wake situation, do you want all lines in the same direction to stretch about the same amount, or very different amounts, for even load distribution?
• Think about safety: is mixing very different elasticities in the same direction likely to improve or reduce predictability and safety of the mooring arrangement?
✅ Before You Answer
• Compare how nylon, polyester, and wire behave under load (which stretches most, which least).
• Consider whether mooring plans usually specify similar type and size lines for the same lead and direction, and why.
• Before choosing an option, decide whether unequal stretch between lines in the same direction is desirable or a hazard.