Reference guide — 12 essential maritime knots and 8 deck equipment items.
Creates a fixed loop that will not slip or jam. Ideal for securing a line to a ring, cleat, or around a post.
Secures a line to a cleat. Standard for docking lines, halyards, and sheets.
Secures a line to a ring, rail, or piling. Reliable under both steady and variable loads.
Quick temporary attachment to a post, rail, or piling. Easy to tie and adjust but can slip under variable loads.
Joins two lines of different diameters. The thicker line forms the bight; the thinner line passes through it.
Prevents a line from running through a block or fairlead. Larger and easier to untie than an overhand knot.
Attaches a line to another line or spar under lengthwise load. Useful for taking strain off a rope or adding a tow line.
Secures an anchor line to an anchor ring. Very secure under load, will not slip.
Joins two ends of the same line to secure a reef in a sail. NOT for joining two different lines — use a sheet bend instead.
Joins two large or stiff lines (e.g. hawsers) that are difficult to work. Decorative and strong.
Weighted knot at the end of a heaving line to give it mass and aerodynamics for throwing. Also decorative.
Creates a mechanical advantage (3:1) to cinch down a load tightly — useful for lashing cargo or sails.