A heaving line is a light line used to get a hawser ashore when mooring a ship to the dock or in passing a heavy line for any purpose whatever. One end of the heaving line is fitted with a monkey fist to assist in getting distance when heaving. After making the heave the other end of the heaving line is bent to the hawser with a bowline. The heaving line is coiled carefully about two-thirds of the coil being held in the right (casting) hand and the rest in the left hand.
In heaving, the right (casting) arm should be held straight, and the line in the left hand allowed to run out freely. The most frequent trouble in getting a long heave is because the coil in the left hand is not arranged clear for running. To become good, practice a poor cast is always a reflection on you as a Seaman.
Many ships make bolo lines to use for passing lines between ships during replenishment at sea when a heaving line is too short and the distance between ships does not warrant the use of a shot line gun.
The length of the bolo line is a matter of preference. Some ships make two lines from one standard length of shot line. The line may be coiled down in a bucket or other container, or it may be coiled on a wooden spindle with the regular machine used for coiling shot lines. If the machine is used, it should be set so that the coil is not wound as tightly as it is for use with the gun.
SLUSHING WIRE ROPE
Wire rope must be lubricated properly to ensure long life and safety. The internal parts of the wires move one against another wherever the rope passes over a sheave or winds on a drum. Each wire rotates around its own axis, and all wires slide against one another.
Internal wear can be minimized by proper lubrication. To prevent dripping, wiping, peeling, and flaking, the specified lubricant should be used. The lubricant should be thin enough to penetrate to the core so as to be absorbed by the hemp center.
Several types of slushing compound but some ships prefer to use a medium mineral grease mixed with flake graphite. Although this mixture makes a good waterproof coating to resist the corrosion of salt water, it must be remembered that wire rope is not necessarily lubricated properly when the outside appears greasy. For this reason, care must be taken to ensure the pentration of the lubricant into the crevices of the wire.
LUBRICATING WEATHER DECK EQUIPMENT
All weather deck equipment must be lubricated properly to ensure protection against wear and weather elements such as boat davits, standing rigging, running rigging.
BOAT DAVITS
Boat davits should be inspected the regular lubrication of the mechanical components, outlined in the individual manufacturer's manuals.
The wire rope of the hoisting slings should be entirely coated with grease. As an alternative, grease may be applied only to those rope areas where salt water would form a pocket, adjacent to shackles, buttons or clamps, and around the thimble.
STANDING RIGGING
All exposed wire, whether galvanized, or not, must be covered with some surface coating for protection against the weather. For wire in standing rigging, not subject to wear, weather protection is the only important consideration.
RUNNING RIGGING
Wire rope for running rigging, as on cargo winches, must be covered with a mixture that provides lubrication as well as protection against the weather. A preparation of graphite and grease makes an excellent covering for running wire if no prepared mixture is on hand.
SHACKLES AND TURNBUCKLES
Particular attention must be paid to protecting the threads of shackles and turnbuckles. They are the parts that will be eaten away first if not cared for properly. Turnbuckles should be opened out frequently, the threads should be brushed well, and the parts lubricated with grapite grease. (Hang off shrouds and stays on a jigger when overhauling shackles and turnbuckles.)
WINCHES, CRANES, AND ANCHOR WINDLASSES
The maintenance and lubrication of heavy deck equipment, such as winches, cranes, and anchor windlasses, should be done by the deck dept.
