Rope Manual

Created by Samson Rope Technologies for mariners, engineers and procurement specialists at ChevronTexaco Shipping L.L.C.
Third
Edition ROPE MANUAL
Guide to Specified Rope Products Used
Aboard ChevronTexaco Vessels
Supplier to ChevronTexaco Shipping Company LLC for Over 30 Years

Excellence In Rope Making For Over 100 Years
Samson Rope Technologies

2090 Thornton Street / Ferndale, WA 98248
{T} 360.384.4669 {F} 360.384.0572
www.samsonrope.com / [email protected]
Issued: July, 2004
CHEVRONTEXACO ROPE MANUAL
Samson has been approved as a Direct Order Supplier for several years now. Be sure to
utilize the RAST template, “Ropes”.
This manual was created as a resource tool for ChevronTexaco Shipping LLC (hereafter referred to as ChevronTexaco
Shipping) buyers, mariners and engineers. The manual covers standard rope usage and handling and provides a background
on the characteristics of synthetic fibers. The manual also details the rope products currently approved for use aboard
ChevronTexaco Shipping vessels.
The first section of the following manual is a presentation of technical data and application information to assist in the working
knowledge of products being utilized.
Since the Dyneema® HMPE synthetic INDEX
fiber primary mooring lines represent
such a large and visible portion of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ............................................ 5
Samson/ChevronTexaco Shipping
Glossary ........................................................................................ 9
alliance - we have included a special
Q&A section. This section is designed Section I – Technical Data
to answer the majority of basic Fiber Characteristics ................................................................................. 11
Fiber Strength Retention After Chemical Immersion ............................. 11
questions concerning AmSteel -Blue
®
Rope Construction .................................................................................... 11
and other Dyneema mooring lines. Elongation ................................................................................................. 12
Sheave Diameter & Bending Radius ........................................................ 13
The second and third sections Winding Rope on Drum ........................................................................... 14
deal with rope handling, factors of Knots ......................................................................................................... 15
End-for-Ending......................................................................................... 15
rope selection, guidelines for rope
inspection and rope retirement. Section II – Splicing Instructions
AmSteel-Blue Eye Splice .......................................................................... 17
The fourth section of the manual AmSteel-Blue End for End Splice ............................................................ 19
Proton 8 Eye Splice .................................................................................. 21
identifies and describes the
Proton 8 End for End Splice .................................................................... 23
synthetic ropes approved for specific Force 8 Eye Splice..................................................................................... 25
applications by ChevronTexaco Force 8 End for end Splice ....................................................................... 27
Shipping. This manual does not 12-Strand Round Plait Eye Splice ............................................................ 29
cover all ropes and applications 3-Strand Eye Splice................................................................................... 31
DPX/EPX Splice....................................................................................... 33
currently in use but the intent will
Jacketed Mooring Line Cover Repair Instructions .................................. 37
be to periodically add information to
include the majority of rope products Section III – Rope Handling
Proper Handling of Rope ......................................................................... 39
being utilized in the Fleet.
Section IV – Rope Inspection & Retirement
The fifth section of the manual Standards for Strength and Determination .............................................. 41
is for insertion of additional Rope Inspection and Damage Assessment ............................................... 43
information as it becomes available. Section V – Product Descriptions
For example, residual strength data Products by Applications:
is being compiled in a joint effort Primary Mooring Lines
by Samson Rope Technologies and 12-Strand AmSteel-Blue .................................................................. 49
8x3 Strand Force-8 ........................................................................... 50
ChevronTexaco Shipping. As data
DPX/EPX Jacketed Mooring Lines ................................................ 51
becomes available or is updated, this
information will be supplied as an Secondary Mooring Lines
Addendum to this manual. RP-12 SSR-1200 .............................................................................. 52
RP-12 Ultra Blue PNX .................................................................... 53
Proton 8 ............................................................................................ 54
Mooring Line Comparison ............................................................. 55-56
Mooring Line Pendants
Mooring Master P-7 ........................................................................ 57
Mooring line Stopper
12-Strand Tenex ............................................................................... 58
Deck Handy Lines
3-Strand Premium Polyester............................................................ 59
MEMBER
Testing Information ..................................................................... 61
CORDAGE
INSTITUTE
SUPPORTING QUALITY
Section VI – Addenda
PRODUCTS
Periodic updates supplied by Samson Rope Technologies
THIRD EDITION - Issued: July, 2004 3

FAQ’s ON AMSTEEL-BLUE MOORING LINES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Question: What are AmSteel®-Blue Mooring Lines and why are we going to use them?
Answer: AmSteel-Blue Mooring Lines are produced with a synthetic fiber called Dyneema
SK-75, an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene material. The use of this fiber allows us to
create a torque-free, 12-strand braided rope which, size-for-size, has comparable strength to
wire rope but which only has 1/7th the weight of wire rope. AmSteel-Blue is also flexible, easy
to handle and it floats.
The unique blue color is there for more than just appearance: It is created by a proprietary
Samthane coating that enhances rope wear life and snag resistance.
AmSteel-Blue doesn’t require lubrication because it doesn’t rust nor does it “fishhook”.
Its flexibility and extreme light weight will allow for an easier, faster and safer
mooring sequence.
Question: When converting

from wire rope mooring lines
to AmSteel-Blue mooring
lines, what implementation
procedures are required?
Answer: Chock and lead maintenance should be instituted to eliminate rough waring surfaces, metal burrs and
sharp cutting edges that could have been created by the use of wire ropes. In the majority of cases, the conversion
can be done as routine maintenance, as was done by the Washington and the Colorado with localized grinding and
surface preparation.
Question: How will AmSteel-Blue synthetic line wear compared to wire line?
Answer: The Dyneema SK-75 fiber used in AmSteel-Blue is also utilized for bulletproof vests, military helmets and
cut -resistant gloves. It is pretty tough material. It should be noted, though, that all synthetic fiber can be cut and care
and review should be taken to protect the mooring line from sharp and rough surfaces that it could be worked against
or over.
All of the AmSteel-Blue mooring lines come equipped with an 8-foot rubberized chafe sleeve that should be
placed in the ship’s chock during the mooring sequence. This is very important when converting from wire
rope mooring lines. Wire rope has a tendency to create grooves with sharp, cutting edges. During mooring,
the AmSteel-Blue will firm and stiffen into a round configuration. In a relaxed state, the braid construction will
loosen and be very flexible. Under the compression loading on the winch drum, the rope will develop a flatter
configuration. As the rope is used, it will develop surface wear on the outer fibers. This individual fiber filament
abrasion will give the line a fuzzy appearance. Due to the normal external wear from use, the line will also
gradually begin to lose its original royal blue color.
If taken care of, AmSteel-Blue should yield 2-1/2 to 3 times the normal life of wire rope mooring lines. For
additional information on inspection and wear guidelines, please refer to pages 43 through 47 of the ChevronTexaco
Rope Manual.
Question: Can AmSteel-Blue mooring lines be repaired aboard ship?

Answer: Yes! The 12-strand construction of AmSteel-Blue is one of the easiest ropes to splice or re-splice. AmSteel-
Blue can be spliced with new eyes just follow the instructions on pages 17 and 18 in the ChevronTexaco Rope Manual.

Question: How should the AmSteel-Blue mooring lines be in-
stalled on deck winches?
Answer: The correct installation of this mooring line on the deck
winches is important to the long-term service life and performance
of the rope.
1. After the removal of the old wire rope lines, and before installation
of the new Amsteel-Blue ropes, please inspect the winch
drum and flanges for rust, corrosion or “scoring” damage
created by the wire rope. These areas should be “cleaned up” so
as not to cut and abrade the new Dyneema ropes being put on.
2. On the storage half of the split drum winch, the first two or three layers
of Amsteel-Blue should be reeled on under some tension to create a solid,
smooth base layer. After these layers, the rope on the storage side can be laid
on in layers with some “crossovers.” These “crossovers” should prevent the
Amsteel-Blue from “diving” in-between the layers and getting stuck during
deployment.
Line installed on
storage side of LEFT: Line installed
winch drum incorrectly on working
Cross-overs prevent side of winch drum!
AmSteel-Blue from On working side of winch,
diving between only wrap a single layer of line
layers and getting stuck during deployment. (8 wraps). Working part of line
should come off end of wraps,
not from the middle as shown
above.
3. On the “working half” of
the split drum winch, it is
recommended that only one
RIGHT: Line installed
layer of rope, 8 “wraps” be
correctly on working side
used—enough rope to grip the of winch drum. Single
drum, Amsteel-Blue is a slick layer of wraps on working
rope!—but no over-layers which side of drum. Working part
of line comes off one side of
can “dive” and abrade. wraps as shown above.
Question: Is that all there is to it?

Answer: No, not yet. Follow the path of the Amsteel-Blue mooring line from the winch drum to the chock. Make
sure it is not rubbing against other metal surfaces. If it is going around a roller chock, make sure the roller chock
rolls! And finally, at the chock, make sure the inside surface of the chock is not rusted, pitted or scored from wire
ropes. Pitted, scored or gouged surfaces act like knives against any synthetic rope.
6 THIRD EDITION - Issued: July, 2004

Question: Since Dyneema is a polyethylene fiber, do I need to cover the lines on the drum
when not in use?
Answer: Dyneema fiber actually has excellent resistance to ultra violet light, which is also enhanced by the
Samthane coating on the fibers and rope. Based on the experience of the Dean and Renfrew, in direct Gulf of
Mexico heat and sunlight, no extra protection is needed.
Question: Since Dyneema is a polyethylene with a relative low melting point (297° F),
is Amsteel-Blue going to melt during friction-heat (i.e. when rubbing in chocks)?
Answer: It could. Obviously metal heated by friction in contact with Dyneema for extended lengths of time, is
a problem. Because of this we always recommend the use of chafing gear in chocks between the metal and the
Dyneema. If you notice an area, which looks melted, the easiest test is to flex the “melted, or compressed” area.
This will tell you if the strands and fibers have been melted together. (Once again, please refer to pages 43-47 of
the ChevronTexaco Rope Manual for instructions).
Question: How often should I inspect my Amsteel-Blue mooring lines and how do I know
when they should be retired?
Answer: Crew members should check the general condition of the lines each time they are deployed or
re-reeled. Areas of melted or cut fiber should alert the crew to further inspection. Please refer to pages 43-47 of
the ChevronTexaco Rope Manual for additional visual and verbal instructions.
The Samson Rope/ChevronTexaco Shipping Alliance team is actively pursuing a testing program on these
mooring lines to attempt to gather data on loss of breaking strength over service life. This data will be available to
Chevron vessels once the testing program has been implemented. See page 61 for more information.
Question: Are AmSteel-Blue mooring lines affected by sunlight?

Answer: AmSteel-Blue is produced with Dyneema SK-75 synthetic fiber which is urethane coated. The fiber
itself has very good resistance to ultraviolet degradation over time. In fact, it exhibits 15% less than polyester
fiber and 25% less than nylon fiber. In rope form, the urethane coating also further retards the effects of sunlight.
Question: Will AmSteel-Blue mooring lines allow more vessel movement than wire rope
lines once the vessel is secured?
Answer: At 50% of AmSteel-Blue’s breaking strength it will allow 0.94% elastic elongation. Therefore, the
working stretch is less than 1% once the vessel is secured. For definitions of elongation see page 12 and for
further detail on elastic elongation of AmSteel-Blue see pages 49 and 55 of the ChevronTexaco Rope Manual.
Question: Are there bending radius considerations for AmSteel-Blue when working the line
on bitts, chocks or leads?
Answer: Yes. It is important to maintain bending radius recommendations to insure the best performance of the
line. Please refer to page 13 of the ChevronTexaco Rope Manual. It is important that all bending radius contacts
with the line are smooth and free of abrasive and/or cutting edges.
Question: Does direct or residual contact with Citri Solv or Rustaway (two agents commonly
used aboard Chevron vessels) cause degradation to AmSteel-Blue mooring lines?
Answer: DSM, the manufacturer of Dyneema SK-75 fiber used in AmSteel-Blue mooring lines has reviewed the
MSDS information for the products named and finds these agents to be relatively innocuous. In the case of Citri
Solv, it would only affect fiber tenacity in a high temperature environment (above 140° F). In the case of Rustaway,
it would affect fiber tenacity only in the presence of strong oxidizing agents (i.e. potassium permanganate). For
a comparative listing of the effects of other chemical agents on HMPE fiber please refer to Fiber Strength
Retention After Chemical Immersion on page 11 of the ChevronTexaco Rope Manual.

GLOSSARY
ABRASION RESISTANCE: The ability under a specified procedure. On a group cores. This type rope construction can
of a fiber or rope to withstand surface of like specimens it may be expressed as be produced with traditional fibers, high
wear and rubbing due to motion against an average or as a minimum based on modulus fibers, or combinations of both
other fibers of rope components (internal statistical analysis. fiber groups, and offers the potential of
abrasion) or a contact surface, which can creating a wide range of design param-
be a portion of the rope itself (external Note: Breaking force refers to an external force eters.
abrasion). applied to an individual specimen to produce
rupture, whereas breaking strength preferable CYCLE LENGTH: The length along
BLOCK CREEL: A method of rope should be restricted to the characteristic average the axis required for a strand to make on
making whereby a given length of rope force required to rupture several specimens revolution around the rope.
is produced from a ropemaking machine of a sample. While the breaking strength is
numerically equal to the breaking force for an DEGRADATION: The loss of desirable
where all the subcomponents of the rope physical properties by a textile material
structure are continuous without splices. individual specimen, the average breaking force
observed for two or more specimens of a specific due to some process of physical/chemical
The term arises from filling all creels or phenomenon.
bobbins to maximum (block creels) and sample is referred to or used as the breaking
ending rope making when the first one strength of the sample. DENIER: The system used
empties. BREAKING STRENGTH, MINIMUM: internationally for the numbering of silk
The Cordage Institute standard. A value and man-made filament yarns, except
BRAID: n. A rope or textile structure glass yarns. It is the primary unit for
based on a statistically significant number
formed by a braiding process. v. The determining the size of a yarn and is
of breaking load tests and the standard
intertwining of strands in a braiding based on its linear density. Officially, it
deviation used to establish the minimum
process to produce a tubular rope is defined as the number unit weights of
value.
structure. 0.05 grams per 450-meter length. Denier
CLASS I ROPE: Rope constructions is equivalent numerically to the number
BRAID, DOUBLE: A rope constructed produced with non high modulus fibers of grams per 9,000 meters. In the English
from an inner hollow braided rope (core) that impart the strength and stretch numbering system, 1 denier equals
which has another hollow single braided characteristics to the rope which have 4,464,528 yards to the pound. Denier is
rope constructed around its exterior tenacities of 15 grams/denier (gpd) also used to indicate the thickness of a
(cover). Core and cover may be either or less and a total stretch at break of man-made fiber staple. For example, a
plain or twill braid and both share any load 6% or greater. Typical Class 1 ropes are staple is said to be 3 denier if 1,488,176
on the rope, but not necessarily in equal produced with traditional fibers such as: linear yards of the staple (were it
amounts. Also called “braid-on-braid”. olefin (polypropylene or polyethylene), continuous) would weight 1 pound. The
nylon, and polyester. These fibers can metric equivalent is Tex, the grams mass
BRAID, HOLLOW (Also: Braid, be used in combination or singularly in of 10,000 meters of yarn.
Single; Braid, Diamond): A single the various rope constructions such as: 3
braid rope construction of either plain or strand, 8 strand, 12 strand braids, double DYNAMIC LOAD (for cordage): Any
twill braid. The center is hollow. On the braids, or core dependent braids. rapidly applied load that increases the
surface all strands are inclined to the axis. load significantly above the normal static
CLASS II ROPE: Rope constructions
produced with high modulus fibers that load when lifting or suspending a weight.
BRAID, SOLID: A cylindrical braid in
impart the strength and stretch character- Dynamic effects are greater on a low
which each strand alternately passes under
isitcs to the rope which have tenacities elongation rope such as manila than on
and over one or more of the other strands
greater than 15/grams/denier (gpd) a higher elongation rope such as nylon,
of the rope while all strands are rotating
and a total stretch at break of less than and greater on a shorter rope than on a
around the axis with the same direction
6%. Typical Class II ropes are produced longer one. Also, any rapidly applied load
of rotation. On the surface, all strands
with: HMPE (Dyneema or Spectra), to cordage that may change its properties
appear to be parallel to the axis.
Aramid (Technora or Kevlar), LCP (Vec- significantly when compared to slowly
tran), PBO (Zylon), and Carbon fibers. applied loads.
BRAIDER SPLICE: In a braided rope, the
continuation of a single interrupted strand These fibers can be used in combination
EXTRUSION: For polymer filaments.
(or multiple strand) with another identical or singlarly in the various ropes construc-
The process of producing filaments by
strand, which is braided from the same tions such as: 3 strand, 8 strand, 12 strand,
forcing a polymer through a die.
carrier. The interrupted and replacement double braids, or core dependent braids.
strands are arranged in parallel over some CORE DEPENDENT BRAIDS: Cover FATIGUE: the tendency of a material to
distance, and are buried, or tucked, into braided rope constructions that utilize an weaken or fail during alternate tension-
the braid so as to secure them into the internal core member or members to cre- tension or tension-compression cycles. In
braid. To maintain maximum strength, ate the strength and stretch characteristics cordage, particularly at loads well below
the strands should overlap one another of the rope. The primary function of the the breaking strength, this degradation is
for a sufficient distance. external cover braid is to contain the core often caused by internal abrasion of the
BREAKING LENGTH: A convenient or cores and create the degree of rope fibers and yarns but may also be caused by
term for comparing the strength to firmness desired. Based on the fiber or fiber damage due to compression. Some
weight ratio of textile structures from one combination of fibers used in the covering fibers develop cracks or splits that cause
product to another. The calculated length braid, the following characteristics of failure, especially at relatively high loads.
of a specimen whose weight is equal to the rope can be altered: co-efficient of
friction, wear resistance, specific gravity, FIBER: A long, fine, very flexible
the breaking load.
and heat resistance. Core dependent structure that may be woven, braided, or
BREAKING STRENGTH: For cordage, braided ropes typically have internal twisted into a variety of fabrics, twine,
the nominal force (or load) that would strength members produced with: parallel cordage or rope.
be expected to break or rupture a single bundled fiber cores, a single braid core,
specimen in a tensile test conducted multiple braid cores, or multiple 3 strand FINISH: An oil, emulsion, lubricant

GLOSSARY
or the like, applied to fibers to prevent POLYESTER (PET) FIBER: A staple length of natural fibers varies
damage during textile processing or to manufactured fiber in which the from less than 1-inch for some cotton
improve performance during use of the fiber-forming substance (polyester) is fibers to several feet for some hard fibers.
product. characterized by a long chain polymer Man-made fibers are cut to a definite
having 85% by weight of an ester of a length, usually about 1-1/2-inches but
HYDROLYSIS: The attack of the water substituted aromatic carboxylic acid. The occasionally down to 1-inch, so they can
ions on polymeric molecules, which most frequently used acid is terephthalic be processed on the cotton, woolen and
results in polymer chain scission and loss acid in the presence of ethylene glycol. worsted systems. The term staple (fiber) is
of the fiber’s physical properties. used in the textile industry do distinguish
POLYETHYLENE (PE): A polyolefin natural or cut length man-made fibers
LAID ROPES: Ropes made by twisting resin, produced from the polymerization from filament.
of three or more strands together with of ethylene gas, and used in the
the twist direction opposite that of the production of manufactured fiber. TENSILE STRENGTH, MINIMUM: A
strands. Polyethylene is similar to polypropylene value based on a large number of breaking
in its properties but has a higher specific force tests representing a value which is
LAY LENGTH: The actual distance gravity and a lower melting point. tow standard deviations below the mean.
required to make one complete revolution See: Breaking Strength, Minimum.
around the axis in any element in a strand, POLYETHYLENE, EXTENDED
cord or rope. CHAIN: A polyolefin fiber that is TORQUE: A force or a combination of
characterized by the gel spinning of a forces that produces or tends to produce
LIQUID CRYSTAL POLYMER (LCP): very high and narrow molecular weight a twisting or rotating motion. When
A thermoplastic multifilament yarn spun distribution fiber to produce extremely used in describing the performance or
from a proprietary liquid crystal polymer. high tenacity material. The strength of characteristic of yarn, the term torque
LCP fiber is five times stronger than steel the fiber is approximately 10 times that of refers to that character which tends to
and ten times stronger than aluminum for steel on a weight-for-weight basis. make it turn on itself as a result of twisting.
its weight. It has no creep and excellent
chemical resistance. POLYMER: A long chain molecule from
TWIST: The number of turns about
which man-made fibers are derived;
the axis applied to a fiber, yarn, strand
MONOFILAMENT: A yarn consisting produced by linking together molecular
or rope over a given length to combine
of one or more heavy, coarse, continuous units called monomers.
the individual elements into a larger
filaments produced by the extrusion of and stronger structure. The direction of
POLYPROPYLENE (PP): A polyolefin
a polymeric material suitable for fiber rotation about the axis denoted as “S”
resin, produced from the polymerization
production. (left hand) or “Z” (right hand) twist.
of propylene gas, and used in the
MULTIFILAMENT: A yarn consisting of production of manufactured fiber.
Polypropylene may be extruded into TWIST, BALANCED: In a plied yarn or
many fine continuous filaments produced cord, an arrangement of twist which will
by the spinning of a polymeric material a number of fiber forms for use by the
ropemaker. not cause the yarn or cord to twist on itself
suitable for fiber production. when held in the form of an open loop.
ROPE, EIGHT-STRAND PLAITED: A
NAPPING: A process hat raises the rope of which the strands are generally TWISTING: The process of combining
surface fibers of a fabric, cord or rope plaited in pairs, and mainly used for tow or more parallel textile elements
by means of rapid passage over metal marine purposes. by controlling the lineal and rotational
surfaces. speeds of the material to produce a
ROPE, FIBER: A compact but flexible, specific twist level.
NOMINAL SIZE: A designation that torsionally balanced structure produced
has been determined by the measurement from strands which are laid, plaited or WORKING LOAD LIMIT: The
of another property. For rope, diameter braided together to produce a product working load that must not be exceeded
is considered a nominal property and is which serves to transmit a tensile force for a particular application as established
based upon the measurement of the linear between to points. Generally greater than by an engineer, supervisor, regulatory or
density of the rope in accordance with 3/16” diameter. standards setting agency.
some standard.
SPECIFIC GRAVITY: Ratio of the mass
YARN: A generic term for a continuous
NYLON (PA) FIBER: A manufactured of a material to the mass of an equal
strand of textile fibers, filaments
fiber in which the fiber-forming substance volume of water.
or material in a form suitable for
(polyamide) is characterized by recurring intertwining to form a textile structure via
SPLICE: The joining of two ends of yarn,
amide groups as an integral part of the any one of a number of textile processes.
strand or cordage by intertwining or
polymer chain. The two principal types
inserting these ends into the body of the
of nylon fiber used in rope production YARN, SINGLE: The simplest textile
product. An eye spliced may be formed
are type 66 and type 6. The number six structure available for processing into
by using a similar process to join one end
in the type designation is indicative of the rope, twine or cordage.
into the body of the product.
number of carbon atoms contained in the
reactants for the polymerization reaction. STRAND: The largest individual element YARN, PLIED: A yarn formed by
used in the final rope-making process and twisting together two or more single
pH: Value indicating the acidity or obtained by joining and twisting together yarns in one operation in a direction
alkalinity of a material. A pH of 7.0 is several yarns or groups of yarns. opposite to the twist direction of the
neutral; less than 7.0 is acid, and more single yarns to produce a balanced
than 7.0 is basic. STAPLE: Natural fibers of cut lengths structure.
from filaments of man-made fibers. The

Section I – TECHNICAL DATA
COMPARISON OF FIBER CHARACTERISTICS
(using nylon as a basis of 1.0)
Generic Fiber Type Nylon Polyester Polypropylene HMPE* Vectran Technora® PBO
FIBER STRENGTH
Bulk Strength1 1.0 1.05 0.6 3.1 - 3.75 2.9 2.6 4.0 RETENTION AFTER
CHEMICAL IMMERSION
Weight 1.0 1.21 .80 .85 1.23 1.22 1.35
(HMPE fiber strength retention
Working Elastic after 6-months immersion)
1.0 .60 .55 .24 .2 .22 .15
Elongation2
Agent HMPE
Coefficient of
Friction3 .10 - .12 .12 - .15 .15 - .22 .08 .12 - .15 .12 - .15 .18 Sea Water 100
chars at:
Hydraulic Fluid 100
Melting Point 460° F 480° F 330° F 297° F 625° F 900° F 1200° F Kerosene 100
Gasoline 100
Critical
Temperature4 350° F 350° F 250° F 150° F 300° F 450° F 480° F Toluene 100
Glacial Acetic Acid 100
Specific Gravity 1.14 1.38 .91 .97 1.4 1.39 1.56 1 M Hydrochloric Acid 100
5 M Sodium Hydroxide 100
Cold-Flow (Creep)5 Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible
Ammonium Hydroxiide (29%) 100
In Mooring Line Use to high to high
Hypophosphite Solution (5%) 100
1 Bulk Strength is defined as strength per circumference squared. Perchloroethylene 100
2 Working is defined as rope actually in use under a cycling load. 10% Detergent Solution 100
3 Coefficient of Friction is based on reluctance to slip or slide.
Clorox™ 91
4 Critical Temperature is defined as the point at which degradation is caused by temperature alone.
5 Cold Flow (Creep) is defined as fiber deformation (elongation) due to molecular slippage under a constant static loading situation.
Fibers that have this inherent characteristic will display extremely low or negligible creep if minor fluctuations occur in the rate
and/or frequency of load levels. In rope form, this would apply to polypropylene, polyethylene and HMPE fibers such as Dyneema®
ROPE CONSTRUCTION
Both Class I and Class II ropes can be produced
8x3-Strand in various rope constructions such as: 3-strand,
8-strand, 8x3 strand, 12-strand, double braids,
or core dependent braids.
All Samson ropes are categorized for splicing

8-Strand, Plaited and testing purposes as a Class I or Class II
construction.
Class I ropes are produced with non high mod-

ulus fibers that impart the strength and stretch
12-Strand, Braided characteristics to the rope which have tenaci-
ties of 15 grams/denier (gpd) or less and a total
stretch at break of 6% or greater.
12-Strand, Round Plait™ Class I Ropes are produced with traditional

fibers such as: Olefin (Polypropylene or Poly-
ethylene), Nylon, and Polyester.
Class II ropes are produced with high modu-

2-in-1® Double Braid
lus fibers that impart the strength and stretch
characteristics to the rope which have tenacities
greater than 15 grams/denier (gpd) and a total
stretch at break of less than 6%. Typical Class
Core Dependent
II ropes are produced with: HMPE (Dyneema
or Spectra), Aramid (Technora or Kevlar), LCP
(Vectran), PBO (ZYLON), and Carbon fibers.

ELONGATION (STRETCH)
ELASTIC ELONGATION (E.E): Re- on a length/time scale and is known as applications such as sub-surface mooring
fers to the portion of stretch or extension hysteresis or recovery over time. or when using devices that demand precise
of a rope that is immediately recoverable depth location and measurement.
after the load on the rope is released. This PERMANENT EXTENSION (P.E.)
WHILE WORKING: The amount of PERMANENT EXTENSION (P.E.)
recoverable tendency is a primary result of
extension which exists when stress is re- AFTER RELAXED: That portion of
the fiber (or fibers) used as opposed to the
moved but no time is given for hysteresis extension which, due to construction de-
rope construction. Each type of synthetic
recovery. It includes the non-recoverable formation (compacting of braid and helical
fiber inherently displays a unique degree
and hysteresis extension as one value and changes) and some plastic deformation of
of elasticity. Relatively, HMWPE fiber
represents any increase in the length of a the yarn fibers, prevents the rope from
has an extremely low elasticity compared
rope in a constant working situation such as returning to its original length.
to nylon fiber.
during repeated surges in towing or other CREEP (COLD FLOW): Fiber deforma-
HYSTERESIS: Refers to a recoverable similar cyclical operations. tion (elongation) due to molecular slippage
portion of stretch or extension over a period
The percentage of P.E. over the working under a constant, static loading situation.
of time after a load is released. In measuring
load range is generally in order of four or Fibers with this inherent characteristic dis-
elastic recovery it is the recovery that oc-
six percent for braided ropes and two to play extremely lower or negligible creep if
curs immediately when a load is removed;
three times as much for plaited. However, minor fluctuations occur in the rate and/or
thereafter, a remaining small percentage
it will vary slightly with different fibers and frequency of load levels. In rope form, this
of elastic recovery will occur slowly and
rope constructions. would apply to polypropylene, polyethyl-
gradually over a period of hours or days.
Allowances must be made for this factor in ene and HMPE fibers.
This retardation in recovery is measured
COMPONENTS OF STRETCH ON A LOADED ROPE
HYSTERESIS
HYSTERESIS
HYSTERESIS
Note: All values are shown to indicate components of total stretch and do not represent actual relationships.
As load increases, the portion of of PE extension will increase.

SHEAVE DIAMETERS BENDING RADIUS
& SIZES Any sharp bend in a rope under load decreases its strength substantially
and may cause premature damage or failure.
Sheave diameters should be:
In sizing the radius of bitts, fairleads and chocks for best performance the
• Twisted/Plaited Ropes following guidelines are offered:
= 10 times rope diameter
• Braided Ropes • Where a rope bends more than ten degrees around bitts or chocks or, for
= 8 times rope diameter that matter, is bending across any surface, the diameter of that surface
should not be less than three times the diameter of the
rope. Stated another way, the diameter of the
To assure maximum efficiency and surface should be at least three times
safety, sheaves for braided ropes the rope diameter. A four-to-one
should be no less than eight times ratio (or larger) would be better
the rope diameter. The sheave yet because the durability of the
groove diameter should be no less rope increases substantially as
than ten percent greater than the the diameter of the surface over
Surface diameter should be at
which it is worked increases.
rope diameter. The sheave groove least three times the rope diameter.
should be round in shape. Sheaves
with “V” shaped grooves should be
avoided, as they tend to pinch and
damage the rope through excessive • On a cleat when the rope does not
friction and crushing of the rope bend radially around the barrel of
fibers. Sheave surfaces should be the cleat can be one half the rope
kept smooth and free of burrs and circumference (minimum).
gouges. Bearings should be main- Surface diameter should be
tained to ensure smooth rotation of at least 1/2 the rope circumference.
sheaves.
GROOVE • Many tugboats using eight and nine-inch circumference headlines in ship-
DIAMETER handling work have fair size bitts (eighteen-inch diameter, etc.) which is an
adequate bending radius. However,
▲
ironically, many of these bow

▲
SHEAVE and shoulder bitts are equipped

▲
with “horns” of a relatively small

diameter (five or six-inches) and
it is these horns under or over
▲
which the lines pass and bend

▲
first in many cases. This results

in shortened rope life and exces- Bollards with
undersized horns.
sive rope replacement costs.
• The ratio of the length of an eye splice to the diameter of the object
over which the eye is to be placed (bollard, bitt, cleat, etc.) should be a
minimum three-to-one relationship and preferably five-to-one. In other
words, if you have a bollard two feet in diameter the eye splice should be
six or ten feet in length. By using this ratio the angle of the two legs of
the eye splice at its throat will not be so severe as to cause a parting or
tearing action at this point (thimbles are normally designed with a three-
to-one ratio).

WINDING ROPE ON WINCH DRUM
Prior to winding the winch with a Samson Mooring Line it is important to first inspect all the deck equipment that
the rope may contact for proper surface finish. As noted in pages 5 and 6 of this manual, winch drums and flanges,
chocks, and bitts should be free and clear of any rough wearing surfaces, metal burrs, sharp cutting edges and rust.
These surfaces will drastically reduce the lifetime of the mooring lines.
It is important the mooring line be installed with significant tension
and in a close tight fit on the drum to prevent rope diving or burying
into the lower wrap layers. The mooring line should be installed on
the winch storage drum under tension that can be created by running
the rope around a capstan, bollard, or pin. Another common way to
produce significant back tension is to rig a rope stopper onto the line
and let the friction between the two ropes create tension the mooring
line (see photo at right).
It is also important that the surface of the device used to create the
tension is not abrasive to the rope and the installation speed or ten-
sion applied does not generate excessive heat build up on the rope.
Tension alone will not eliminate the occurrence of burying on
the winch drum. Installing the line in a close packed wind will
effectively minimize the voids in a given layer of rope. Subse-
quent layers of rope need to be installed in the valleys of the
previous layers of rope, which will eliminate a clear path to the Close packed winding Stacked Winding
NOT RECOMMENDED
winch drum. Never stack the layers of rope directly on top of
each other (See diagram at right).
A single drum or split drum winch, should EFFECT OF DIAMETER ON

8 wraps on drum
always keep a minimum of eight wraps of rope DRUM CAPACITY:
on the drum at all times. This is to ensure that Rope Feet on
the connecting point of the rope to the winch Diameter Drum
does not go under significant load. 1-1/8” 100’
1” 125’
7/8” 165’
3/4” 225’
5/8” 325’
1/2” 510’
In connecting the rope to the winch drum flange, it is suggested that the end of the rope either be back spliced or whipped to
ceate better rope firmness for the flange connection bracket to compress upon.
DETERMINING LENGTH TO FIT WINCH DRUM: ▲

▲
The formula for rope capacity on a winch drum is: ▲
Length = (A(B - C )) 2 2
stored (ft.) (15.3 (rope dia.)2) ▲
A, B, C and rope diameter in inches.

▲

PENDANT CONNECTION TO PRIMARY MOORING LINE
COW HITCH (EYE-TO-EYE)

Provides a suitable method of
joining two ropes of similar
diameter without the use of
thimbles or other hardware.
Yields approximately 85%
strength efficiency.
Polyester pendant (left) cow hitched to Cordura-covered Am-

Steel-Blue mooring line (right)
END-FOR-ENDING MOORING LINES

To To maximize the service life of Using historical residual-strength be taken regarding the benefits of
Samson synthetic fiber mooring data* and the Inspection Guide- reversing the line versus replacing
lines, it is recommended that they lines, detailed on pages 43 through it with a new mooring line.
be reversed, or end-for-ended. Typi- 47 of this manual, a prudent deci-
Splice terminations on the “new
cally, abrasion wear and strength sion can be made. Past service life
end” of the mooring line, if not
loss occurs on the outer (forward) history on the Dean and Renfrew
already on the rope, should be
end of the mooring line. The for- shows that end-for-ending Am-
done following the instructions for
ward or “working” end of the line is Steel-Blue mooring lines occurred
the particular rope construction in
subjected to repeated loading, deck- after seven years of service life.
Section I - Technical Data; Splic-
dragging damage, chock and bollard However, this time may be period
ing (pages 17 through 36).
abrasion wear, etc. By reversing the may be more or less depending on
line, putting the “unused-new” end the inspection of the life and the *Residual strength data is being
forward, the total service life of the quantities of mooring operations. compiled in a joint effort by Samson
mooring line can be extended. The Rope Technologies and Chevron-
If the mooring line is worn or
decision on when to end-for-end Texaco Shipping Company LLC. As
damaged beyond repair for a length
the mooring line is to be left up data become available or updated,
extending too far down the line,
to vessel’s VMT. this information will be supplied as
then careful consideration should
an Addendum to this Manual.

Section II – SPLICING INSTRUCTIONS
EYE SPLICE - 12-STRAND - CLASS II ROPES (Amsteel-Blue)
This eye splice may be performed on new or used rope. This is an all-purpose splice technique designed for people
who generally spliced used rope as frequently as new rope. By following the procedure below, the splice can retain
from 90% to 100% of average new rope strength and in used rope up to the same proportion
of residual used rope strength.
Step 1...Measurement
Tape end of line to be spliced and measure 1 tubular fid length (or 2 wire fid lengths because
wire fids are half the length of tubular fids)
from taped end of line and make Mark
1.
From Mark 1 measure 2 tubular fid
lengths (or 4 wire fid lengths) and
make Mark 2.
Now form size of eye desired and make Mark 3.
Step 2...Making Taper

From Mark 1, in the direction of the taped end of the line, mark every second right and left strand* for three strands.
Cut every marked strand and pull out of line (tape at end can cause resistance and may have to be removed in order
to pull out cut strands).
Tapered end will now have only 6 strands remaining. Tape tapered tail tightly to keep from unbraiding.
*Larger rope diameters may have pairs of strands in right and left direction. In this case, treat the pairs of strands as a single
strand, marking and cutting both in each direction as described above.
Step 3...Bury Tail into Standing Part of Line

Measure 3-1/2 tubular
fid lengths (7 wire fid
lengths), make Mark 4.
Insert fid and tapered
tail at Mark 3 and bring
fid out at Mark 4. Pull
fid and tapered tail out.
Don’t let the line twist.

EYE SPLICE - 12-STRAND - CLASS II ROPES (Amsteel-Blue)
Step 4...Finish Burying
Remove fid. Pull hard on tapered tail with one hand. With other hand, smooth bunched line away from eye splice.
Now, cut off tail at the angle close to standing part of line. Smooth cover once more away from eye to bury tail.
With larger ropes it is easier to bury by tying a small line to eye and securing firmly to a fixed object. Then, with
both hands and weight of body smooth cover slack to bury tail in standing part of line.
Step 5...To Finish Eye Splice

When finished, Mark 2 and Mark 3 should be at the same point in the vertex of the eye—which, yields eye size desired.
To finish eye splice, the splice must be lock-stitched (procedure following ).
LOCK STITCH PROCEDURE

Material Required: Approximately 1/2 fid length of nylon or polyester whipping twine or rope approximately the
same size of the strands in the rope you are stitch-locking.
Step 1 Step 4
Pass stitching After completing Step 3,
through spliced rotate spliced part of rope
area near throat 90° and reinsert end A
of eye as shown. into spliced area in the
same area and in the
same fashion as in Steps
1, 2 and 3. The splice will
Step 2 now be stitched on two planes
Reinsert as perpendicular to each other.
shown pulling
snug but not
tight.
Step 5
After stitching at least three complete stitches as in
Step 3 Step 3, extract both ends A and B together through the
Continue to reinsert as same opening in the braid. Tie them together with a
shown until square knot
you have at and reinsert
least back into
3 complete braid.
stitches.

END/END SPLICE - 12-STRAND - CLASS II ROPES (Amsteel-Blue)
This end-for-end splice may be performed on new or used rope. This is an all-purpose splice technique designed for
people who generally spliced used rope as frequently as new rope. By following the procedure below, the splice can
retain from 90% to 100% of average new rope strength and in used
rope up to the same proportion of residual used
rope strength.
Step 1...Marking Measurements
Tape ends of line to be spliced. Lay two ropes to be spliced side-by-side and measure one
tubular fid length, (two wire fid lengths because wire fids are half size) from taped end of
each line and make a mark—Mark 1.
From Mark 1 measure two tubular fid lengths (four wire fid lengths) and make Mark 2 on both lines.
From Mark 2 measure three and one-half tubular fid lengths (seven wire fid lengths) and make Mark 3 on both lines.
Step 2...Tapering Tail

From Mark 1, in the direction of the taped end of the line, mark every second right and left strand* for three
strands.
Cut every
marked
strand and
pull out of
line (tape
at end can
cause resis-
tance and
may have to be removed in order to pull out cut strands).
Tapered end will now have only 6 strands remaining. Tape tapered tail tightly to keep from unbraiding.
*Larger rope diameters may have pairs of strands in right and left direction. In this case, treat the pairs of strands as a single
strand, marking and cutting both in each direction as described above.
Step 3...Repositioning Ropes

Reposition ropes for splicing according to diagram below.

END/END SPLICE - 12-STRAND - CLASS II ROPES (Amsteel-Blue)
Step 4...Burying Rope A
Into Rope B
Attach fid to tapered end of Rope A and
insert fid into Rope B at Mark 2 and
bring out at Mark 3. Then remove fid.
Pull tapered tail of Rope A until you have

buried up to its Mark 2. With larger lines,
once you have fid and tapered tail through
the line, tie off tail to stationary object; then
use both hands and weight of body to bury
Rope B up to Mark 2.
Leave tail sticking out
Step 5...Finish Burying

Attach tapered tail of Rope B to fid. Insert fid into Rope
A approximately the diameter of the line away
from insertion point of Rope A into Rope
B. Bring fid and tail out at Mark
3 of Rope A. Following same
procedures as in Step 4
to bury Rope B up to
its Mark 2. Leave tail
sticking out.
Step 6...Smooth Out Splice

Pull tails to tighten crossover. Then, smooth braid in both directions away from the crossover. Now cut off tails—cut
tails on an angle so as to give them a point.
Give a final smoothing, away from crossover, stroking rope firmly. Tails should bury inside cover.

EYE SPLICE - 8-STRAND - CLASS II ROPES (Proton 8)
The eye splice is used to place a permanent loop in the end of a rope, generally for attachment purposes to a fixed
point. An eye is also used to form the rope around a thimble, which is used to protect the rope, especially when it is to
be attached to a shackle, chain or wire rope.
This splice is in accordance with Cordage Institute instructions for use in “Standard Test Methods for Fiber Rope”
STM 6/80. This provides for the required strength retention for 8-strand (plaited) synthetic fiber rope as given in the
Cordage Institute Rope Specifications.
Getting Started
Plaited rope is no more difficult to splice than 3-strand. It is made of 8-strands grouped in 4 pairs. 2 of these pairs
turn to the left and 2 to the right. The illustrations show the 2 pairs turning to the left in white and the 2 pairs
turning to the right in gray. They will be referred to as the “white” and “gray” pairs. Note: The gray pairs are dia-
metrically opposite one another but at a 90-degree angle to the white pairs and vice-versa.
Tools Required:
A splicing fid or marlinspike, sharp knife or scissors, plastic or masking tape, marking pen, 10-inches of twine.
Eye Size:
The size of the eye is determined by bending the bitter end of the rope back over itself for a distance equal to the
desired length of the eye plus a length of 30 pics (crowns).
Preparation:
If the rope which you are about to splice is
all of one color, mark those pairs which turn
to the right so that they will conform with
the gray pairs in the illustrations. Count back
a distance of 30 pics from the end and tie a string securely around the rope so it passes directly over the
center of both pairs of gray strands. Place the knot so that it is directly on top of one of these pairs. It
is important that this be tied securely to prevent slipping. Now, unlay the pairs of strands back to the
string. Making sure not to mix, or twist them, tape the ends of the pairs together as shown in fig. A.
Step 1
Hold of lay the rope so that the pairs of white strands are on top and bottom with
a knot to the right as you look toward the end.
Step 2
Bend the rope over to the desired eye in such a way as to keep the knot inside the loop as shown
in fig. A.
Step 3
Using the fid to make clearance and starting with the gray pairs, tuck
them under the diametrically opposite white pairs as shown in fig. A.
Make sure you do not disturb the lay of the pairs. Do not twist them so
that the individual strands cross over one another in the pair.
Step 4
Now turn eye over, tuck the white pairs under the diametrically opposite gray pairs as shown in fig.
B. Note that in fig. B the splice is turned over from fig. A. The white pairs to be tucked should follow
the white pairs of the standing part and the gray to be tucked should follow the gray pairs of the standing part. The
ends in the drawing have been numbered to help show their position as the tucks progress.

EYE SPLICE - 8-STRAND - CLASS II ROPES (Proton 8)
Step 5
Now you have your eye with the first full tuck complete (a full tuck means inserting all 4 pairs);
pull all 4 ends down firmly. Starting with the gray pairs, take another full tuck. By starting
with the gray pairs you avoid having to go under 2 pairs at once. Your
splice should now look like fig. C, (which now lays on the same side
as fig. A). From here on, you should have no difficulty completing the
splice.
Step 6
Now starting with the gray pairs, make four more full tucks with each pair of strands.
Step 7
Having completed 6 full tucks for each pair of stands, separate each pair of strands and
remove approximately one-third the volume from each strand (count the number of yarns
in order to divide appropriately). Re-tape the remaining portion (two-thirds volume) of
each strand. Tape and cut the removed por-
tion (one-third volume) of each strand. The
splice should now appear as shown in fig. D.
Step 8
Re-tape the strands to form pairs as in Step 1. Now splice the remaining pairs just as
before for another three full tucks. The splice should now appear as shown in fig. E.
Step 9
The tapering process continues by repeating Step 7 with the exception that now approxi-
mately half of each strand will be re-
moved. Count the yarns and divide as
evenly as possible. When complete,
this section should have an appearance
similiar that of fig. D.
Step 10
Re-tape the strands to form pairs as in Step 8. With the remaining four pairs, perform three full tucks. When com-
plete, tape and cut the strands as in the previous steps. The finished splice should appear as shown in fig. F.

END/END SPLICE - 8-STRAND - CLASS II ROPES (Proton 8)
Step 1...Getting Started

Tools Required: A splicing fid or marlinspike, sharp knife or scissors, plastic or masking tape, marking pen, light
strong string.
Lay ropes out and count 30 picks

or crowns from end of both
ropes.
Tie string or tape securely at

these points
Step 2 ... Marking

Holding the end of the rope, note the pairs of strands going to the left. Mark these pairs. Mark the strands up to the
string and continue to mark the strands for five (5) or more picks beyond the strings.
Step 3 ... Separating & Taping

Remove tape from end. Start unlaying strands
in their respective pairs. It is important to keep Layout ropes as shown:
them together.
After they are separated

into pairs up to the string,
untwist the pairs. Tape the
ends of pairs together with
a taper as shown.

END/END SPLICE - 8-STRAND - CLASS II ROPES (Proton 8)
Step 4
It is important that the next steps of the procedure be followed care-
fully.
Marked L {1} Strands go between Marked R {1} Strands

Unmarked R {2} Strands go between Unmarked L {2}
Strands
Unmarked L {3} Strands go between Unmarked R {3} Strands
Marked R {4} Strands go between Marked L {4} Strands
Step 5
After the initial step has been completed, you should have something that looks like the drawing at left.
Marry the ropes as shown in Step 6. This part is prefer-

ably a two-person job.
Cut the string that you previously tied at the splicing
points of both ropes.
String Tied
Here
Step 6
Keep the ropes together snuggly. Tie a piece of string tightly
around the splicing point as shown at right.
Start your splice. A marked pair under an unmarked pair

of strands. Now you can follow the same procedure as the
eyesplice. But we suggest that you complete one (1) full tuck
in one direction and then do a full tuck on the other side of
the marriage. Pull everything tight before proceeding.
Step 7
Complete splicing in both directions so that each side is finished off as per strand reduction
sequence (steps 7-10) of the 8-Strand - Class II - Eye Splice procedure.

EYE SPLICE - 8x3-STRAND - CLASS II ROPES (Force-8)
The eye splice is used to place a permanent loop in the end of a rope, generally for attachment purposes to a fixed
point. An eye is also used to form the rope around a thimble, which is used to protect the rope, especially when it is
to be attached to a shackle, chain or wire rope.
This splice is in accordance with Cordage Institute instructions for use in “Standard Test Methods for Fiber Rope”
STM 6/80.
Getting Started
8 x 3 rope is no more difficult to splice than 3-strand. It is an 8-strand plaited rope where the strands are made from
3-strand ropes. The 8-strands are grouped into 4 pairs. 2 of these pairs are left-lay and 2 are right-lay. The illustra-
tions show the 2 pairs turning to the left in white and the 2 pairs turning to the right in gray. They will be referred to
as the “white” and “gray” pairs. Note: The gray pairs are diametrically opposite one another but at a 90-degree angle
to the white pairs and vice-versa.
Tools Required: A splicing fid or marlinspike, sharp knife or scissors, plastic or masking tape, marking pen, 10-
inches of twine.
Eye Size: The size of the eye is deter-
mined by bending the bitter end of the
rope back over itself for a distance equal
to the desired length of the eye plus a
length of 30 picks (crowns).
Preparation: If the rope which you are
about to splice is all of one color, mark those pairs which turn to the right so that they will conform with the gray
pairs in the illustrations. Count back a distance of 30 picks from the end and tie a string securely around the rope so
it passes directly over the center of both pairs of gray strands. Place the knot so that it is directly on top
of one of these pairs. It is important that this be tied securely to prevent slipping. Now, unlay the
pairs of strands back to the string. Making sure not to mix, or twist them, tape the ends of the
pairs together as shown in fig. A.
Step 1
Hold of lay the rope so that the pairs of white strands are on top and
bottom with a knot to the right as you look toward the end.
Step 2
Bend the rope over to the desired eye in such a way as to keep the knot inside
the loop as shown in fig. A.
Step 3
Using the fid to make clearance and starting with the gray pairs, tuck them under the dia-
metrically opposite white pairs as shown in fig. A. Make sure you do not disturb the lay of
the pairs. Do not twist them so that the individual strands cross over one another
in the pair.
Step 4
Now turn eye over, tuck the white pairs under the diametrically
opposite gray pairs as shown in fig. B. Note that in fig. B the
splice is turned over from fig. A. The white pairs to be tucked
should follow the white pairs of the standing part and the gray to
be tucked should follow the gray pairs of the standing part. The ends in the draw-
ing have been numbered to help show their position as the tucks progress.

EYE SPLICE - 8x3-STRAND - CLASS II ROPES (Force-8)
Step 5
Now you have your eye with the first full tuck complete (a full tuck
means inserting all 4 pairs); pull all 4 ends down firmly. Starting with
the gray pairs, take another full tuck. By starting with the gray pairs
you avoid having to go under 2 pairs at once. Your splice should now
look like fig. C, (which now lays on the same side as fig. A). From
here on, you should have no difficulty completing the splice.
Step 6
Now starting with the gray pairs, make four more full tucks with each pair of strands.
Step 7
Having completed 6 full tucks for each pair of stands
you will need to reduce the strand volume by one-
third before continuing the next set of tucks. To do
this, cut one of the three strands out of each strand
pair as shown in fig. D.
Step 8
Now splice the remaining strands just as before for another three full tucks.
The splice should now appear as shown in fig. E, which will lay on the opposite side as
shown in fig. D. Each strand should now have three full tucks.
Step 9
The tapering process continues by reducing the volume of the remaining strands by half (by unlaying
both strand-pairs and then removing one of the two unlaid strands in each strand-pair, as in Step 6)).
Step 10
With the remaining strands, perform three full tucks. Tape the strands after they have been tucked and cut them off
as done with previous strands.

END/END SPLICE - 8x3-STRAND - CLASS II ROPES (Force-8)
Step 1...Getting Started

Tools Required: A splicing fid or marlinspike, sharp knife or scissors, plastic or masking tape,
marking pen, light strong string.
Lay ropes out and count 30

picks or crowns from end of
both ropes.
Tie string or tape securely
at these points
Step 2 ... Marking

Holding the end of the rope, note the pairs of strands going to the left. Mark these pairs. Mark the
strands up to the string and continue to mark the strands for five (5) or more picks beyond the strings.
Step 3 ... Separating & Taping

Remove tape from end. Start unlaying strands
in their respective pairs. It is important to
keep them together.
Layout ropes as shown:
After they are sepa-

rated into pairs up to the
string, untwist the pairs.
Tape the ends of pairs
together with a taper as
shown.

END/END SPLICE - 8x3-STRAND - CLASS II ROPES (Force-8)
Step 4
It is important that the next steps of the procedure be
followed carefully.
Marked L {1} Strands go between Marked R {1}

Strands
Unmarked R {2} Strands go between Unmarked
L {2} Strands
Unmarked L {3} Strands go between Unmarked R
{3} Strands
Marked R {4} Strands go between Marked L {4} Strands
Step 5
After the initial step has been completed,

you should have something that looks like
the drawing at left.
Marry the ropes as shown in Step 6. This part is preferably a two-person job. Cut the string
that you previously tied at the splicing points of both ropes.
Step 6 String Tied

Here
Keep the ropes together snuggly. Tie a piece of string
tightly around the splicing point as shown at right.
Start your splice. A marked pair under an

unmarked pair of strands. Now you can
follow the same procedure as the eyesplice.
But we suggest that you complete one (1)
full tuck in one direction and then do a full tuck
on the other side of the marriage. Pull everything tight
before proceeding.
Step 7
Complete splicing in both directions so that each side is finished off as per strand reduc-
tion sequence (steps 7-10) of the 8x3 Strand - Class II - Eye Splice procedure.

EYE SPLICE - ROUND PLAIT - CLASS I ROPE (Round Plait SSR-1200 & PNX)
The Round Plait construction requires a splicing Step 3...Tape Strand-Pairs
technique different from other 12-strand braided ropes.
The “tuck” procedure described below may be per- Combine the 12 individual strands into six pairs of
formed in the field on both new and used rope with a two strands each. The strands that are paired together
minimum of tools. should be adjacent to each other at the point where
the unbraided rope meets the tape wrapped around the
Materials required: rope. If done correctly, there should be
• Tape - ordinary paper masking tape one “S” strand (strand with clock-
• Wire fid - see chart to determine proper size wise twist) and
• Cutting tool - a knife or scissors to cut the one “Z” strand
strands (strand with
counterclockwise
• Tape measure
twist) in each pair.
Fid Specifications: Before taping the
two strands
A fid length is equal to 7 times the rope circumference.
together,
To complete the splice a Samson 2” diameter wire fid
twist
may be used for most rope sizes. The dimensions of
each
this fid are:
strand
sepa-
rately to
maintain the
Fid Length Wire Diameter Width twist of the
21” (1/2 scale*) 1/4” 1-1/4” fiber.
*1/2 Scale used to keep wire fids to a practical length.
Step 1...Measurement
Lay out the rope and measure down from the end
of the rope a length that is equal to 7 times the rope
circumference. At this point put one loose wrap of tape Step 4...Insert Strand-Pairs into
around the rope. Body of Rope
Lay out the rope to form
an eye taking care there
are no twists in the
rope (4a). The
4b
Step 2...Marking Eye Size black line run-
ning along the 4a
Individually tape each of the 12 strand ends at the end
axis of the rope
of the rope. After the ends are taped, unbraid the rope
illustrates how
back to the point wrapped with tape in Step 1. Form
the strand-pairs
the desired eye size using the tape wrapped around the
are separated for
rope as a reference mark. Mark the body of the rope at
the splice. The
the point coinciding with the tape.
3 strand-pairs on
one side of the line
adjacent to the stand-
ing part of the rope will
be passed directly through
the body of the rope. 3 of
the strand-pairs must be
passed directly through
the middle of the rope
to the other side (4b).

EYE SPLICE - ROUND PLAIT - CLASS I ROPE (Round Plait SSR-1200 & PNX)
Step 5...Begin Tucks
After the 3 strand-pairs have
been passed through the body
of the rope you can start tucking
Step 8...Tapering
the strand-pairs into the braid of the Splice
the standing part of the rope. One After completing the first 3 tucks
complete tuck consists of pass-
drop every other strand-pair and
ing a strand-pair under
continue to do three more tucks
two individual strands in
the braid and over one with the remaining 3 pairs.
strand. Each strand-pair is
always tucked under the same
line of braid so that the tucks
progress straight down the body
of the rope.
Step 6...Removing Slack from First

Tuck
After one complete tuck
has been made with each
of the six strand-pairs,
pull on each pair to
remove any slack from the
strands and snug-up the base
of the eye. Note: When pulling the
strand-pairs, do not attempt to pull them so tight that
they become straight. It is desirable to leave the tucked
strands with some twisted in them so they have the
necessary elongation when the rope is
placed under load.
Step 9...Finishing
the Splice
After completing the second set of
3 tucks, untape the 3 strand-
Step 7...Complete pairs used to make these
Tucking Procedure tucks. Drop one strand from
each pair and do at least 2
Do 3 complete tucks with all
more tucks with the remain-
6 strand-pairs. Each strand-pair is
ing single strand of each pair.
always tucked under the same line Once you have completed the
of the braid so that the tucks progress last tucks, cut off the excess
staight down the body of the rope. material and tape or whip the
ends. Leave enough of an end
protruding so that the end does
not slip back into the rope when
the rope is loaded.

EYE SPLICE - 3-STRAND - CLASS I ROPE (3-Strand Premium Polyester)
Although the 3-strand splice is the most common splice, and simple to perform, technique is important to preserve
splice strength. Take care that the tucks lie neatly; rope strength can be lost if the strands are twisted incorrectly.
Tools Required: Fid; tape or whipping twine; mark-

ing pen, scissors or a sharp knife; hot knife or heat
source; ruler.
Getting Started: From one end of the rope,
count back 16 crowns. Tape this section. Unlay
the rope up to the tape then tape the end of each
strand. Form the eye and tape the standing part of
the rope. To avoid a twist in the eye of the finished
splice, untwist the rope one-half turn between the
pieces of tape.
Step 1...Tucking the First Strand
With a fid or your finger, raise a strand just below the

tape on the standing part of the rope and insert the
middle working strand under it and pull the
strand through. Mark the first tucked strand
with a single hash mark; numbering the
working strands will help you keep track of
the tucking process.
Step 2...Tucking the Second Strand

Tuck the next working strand over the strand
you just tucked under and under the strand
just below it. Mark this strand with a double
hash mark.

EYE SPLICE - 3-STRAND - CLASS I ROPE (3-Strand Premium Polyester)
Step 3...Tucking the Third Strand - One Full Tuck Complete
Turn the entire piece over. There is one working strand left to tuck and there is one strand left in the standing part
of the rope that does not have a working strand under it. Make this tuck, continuing to work counter to the lay or
twist or the rope. Mark this strand with a triple hash mark.
The first round of tucks is complete. Tighten if
necessary by pulling on the strand ends.
When you tuck, take care to use all three strands
in each round and that you tuck under a strand
in the standing part of the rope and not under
one of your working strands.
Step 4...Finishing the Splice

Perform four more complete tucks. Tighten tucks if
necessary. Both the front and the back of the splice
should resemble the illustrations shown.
Seizing Splice Area

Seize the end of spliced area with whipping twine for extra security and a professional touch.
1
2
3 4

EYE SPLICE - EPX/DPX
Step 1... From the end of the rope, measure a length that is equal to 64
times the rope diameter and make a mark on the jacket. This is Mark 1.
Step 2... Using Mark 1 for reference, form the desired eye size and
make Mark 2. Securely tape the jacket just beyond Mark 1 and just
ahead of Mark 2.
Step 3 a... Keeping Marks 1 and 2 aligned, measure in the direction shown, a distance of 15 times the rope diameter, and
mark the jacket on both legs.
These are Marks 1a and 2a. From 2a measure down standing
part 25 times rope diameter and make Mark 2b. From 2b mea-
sure down standing part an additional 20 times rope diameter
and make Mark 2c.
Step 3 b... Slide length of cover down the rope, beyond Mark 2C. Cover only should be long enough to cover splice area plus
an additional 4 times the rope diameter.
Step 4... At Marks 1a and 2a, working around the rope circum-
ferencially, carefully cut away all cover strands, so that the cover
can be un-braided to expose the core. The cover material from
Mark 1a to the end of the rope may be discarded, while the un-
braided cover material from Mark 1a to Mark 1 must be retained,
as this will be used to incorporate the cover into the splice.
Likewise, the cover material between marks 2a and 2b may be
discarded, while the material un-braided from mark 2a to Mark 2, and from Mark 2b to mark 2c must be retained.
Tape the un-braided cover material at each of the three locations. This will help keep it out of the way as you proceed.
Step 5... Carefully remove all of the tape - wrap from the
exposed sections of core. You are now ready to begin splicing
the core.
Step 6... From Mark 2, find the 1st fully exposed strand
on the standing part of the core, facing the core tail. Make
a mark where this strand intersects with a strand going the
opposite direction, also facing the core tail. This is the entry
point or “throat” of the splice.
Now, keeping Marks 1 and 2 aligned, make a mark on the core tail, directly op-
posite the entry point. This is the reference point.
Step 7... From the reference point on the core tail,

count 5 strands towards the end, and mark the 5th strand.
Securely tape the core tail at this mark.
Step 8... At the end of the core tail, tape the end of
each of the twelve strands, then un-braid the core back to
the tape wrapped around it in Step 7.

Step 9... After un-braiding the core tail, combine the 12 individual
strands into 6 pairs of strands. Each pair should consist of 1 “S”
(clockwise twist) strand, and an adjacent “Z” (counterclockwise twist)
strand. Now tape the paired strands together. As you tape the ends of
the paired strands together, be sure that the individual strands have
maintained their twist.
Add twist if necessary, but be careful not to over twist.
Step 10... From the “entry point” mark on the standing part of the core, count 6 strands and mark the 6th strand.
This will be the exit point.
Now, working your way around circumference of the core, mark
an additional 5 strands in the
pattern shown.
Step 11... Carefully open up the braid at the entry point. Each of the
six strand pairs will be inserted into the center of the braid at this point,
and brought out behind its corresponding marked strand. Starting with
the strand pair most nearly facing the standing part, use a tubular fid or
similar device to insert the strand pair between strands at the entry point
and bring it out behind the marked strand on the opposite side of the
standing part.
Next, insert the
adjacent strand pair
and bring it out behind the
adjacent marked strand.
Continuing in this fashion, work your way around the rope,
inserting each strand pair, and bringing it out behind its correspond-
ing marked strand. When inserting the strand pairs, be careful
not to entangle them with previously inserted pairs. When all
six pairs have been inserted, they should have a common entry
point, and run parallel through the center of the rope.
Step 12... Alternately pull on each of the six strand pairs until the tape
wrapped around the core tail approaches the entry point. Continue to
gently pull on the strand pairs until the tape passes inside of the standing
part, and the reference point is aligned with the entry point.
Step 13... Begin the tuck procedure by selecting any strand pair and
passing it over the strand fol-
lowing the marked exit point, and under the next two strands. Following this
procedure, make 1 tuck with each of the remaining strand pairs.
A tuck is defined as
passing over 1
strand and un-
der 2 strands,
and succes-
sive tucks should
always progress in a
straight line down the body of the rope. After one tuck has
been completed with each strand pair, continue the procedure until a total of 5 tucks has been made with each pair.
Step 14... Once 5 tucks have been made with all 6 strand pairs, split each strand pair into 2 single strands. Make 2 more tucks
with one single strand from each pair. Leave the un-tucked single strands where they are. These will eventually be trimmed back.

Step 15... Note that the individual strands are made up of individual twisted yarns. The tuck portion of the splice is complet-
ed �
at right) and performing 2 tucks each with six half-volume strands. If the strand make-up consists of an odd number of yarns,
divide the number by 2 and round down to determine the number of yarns to cut away. For example, if a strand is made up of 7
yarns, 7÷2 = 3.5 and 3.5 rounded down is three, therefore, you will cut away 3 yarns and tuck the remaining 4 yarns.
Note: Due to slight variations in core
construction, it may be necessary to un-
braid several inches of additional cover to
complete
the final
tucks.
Step 16... After completing the tuck

procedure, place a tight wrap of tape at
the end of each group of tucks, then trim
off the excess material leaving 3-4 times
the rope diameter protruding.
Step 17... Divide the unbraided cover material at the base of the splice into six
equal groups and tape the end of each group.
Step 18... Select one of the six groups and pass it back and forth underneath two
adjacent tucked core strands as
shown.
A minimum of four passes should be made.
Step 19... Now select the adjcent group and pass it back and
forth in the opposite direction under the same two tucked core
strands so that the two groups cross underneath the tucked core
strands.
Pull the two groups snug.
Step 20... Roll the rope over slightly and repeat steps 18 and 19 using the next two adjacent groups of cover material, passing
them back and forth under the next two adjacent tucked core strands. Then repeat again using the final two adjacent cover
groups and the final two adjacent tucked core strands.

Step 21... Divide the unbraided cover material on each leg of the
eye into three equal groups and tape the ends.
Each leg of the eye should have one center group, with one group to
either side.
Step 22... Starting with the top/center group as indicat-

ed, carefully insert it into the core at a point directly oppo-
site the entry point. Bring it out behind its corresponding
marked strand and pull snug.
Step 23... Now take an adjacent group and insert it into

the core at the entry point and bring it out behind its cor-
responding marked strand.
Step 24... Repeat step 23 with the remaining

groups, inserting each at the entry point and exiting behind the corre-
sponding marked strand. When finished, the groups should be parallel
to one another and should not be entagled with any core material.
Step 25... Make sure that each group has been pulled snug. Then
pass adjacent groups back and forth underneath two adjacent pairs of
tucked core strands in the manner described in steps 18-20.
A minimum of two passes should be made with each group.
Step 26... After all six groups have been secured in this fashion and
pu�
the protruding cover and core material is wrapped down.
Finish the splice by milking “cover only” length up to the tape applied at Mark #1 & 2.
Secure cover only section by whipping each end, then applying heavy duty two part urethane.
* For field splicing - replace “cover only” with whipping twine.

SAMSON JACKETED MOORING LINE COVER REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
A jacketed mooring line Cover Repair Kit is available from Samson
Materials Required:
size 84-96 twine, masking tape, netting needle, 2-part urethane.
Length of twine required:

4 x diameter x (length of damaged area + 6)
Damaged Cover
Step 1
Attach twine to netting needle.
Step 2
Measure 3 inches to the left of the damaged
area. Pass free end of twine through the cover
under the intersection of the cover strands at
this point (make sure the twine does not pass
under or through the core strands).
Step 3
Tape the free end of the twine to the opposite
side of the damaged area.
Step 4
Start whipping. Wrap the needle around the circumference of the rope 1 complete
turn. Pass the netting needle under the complete wrap left to right.
Damage
Pull the loop tight. Pull the needle up main-

taining tension on the completed half hitch Damage
and then quickly pull back down to lock the
half hitch in place.
Cut taped
Step 5 end free
Continue with this procedure until twelve
wraps are completed, then cut the taped
free end near the last wrap.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Continue whipping past damage

SAMSON JACKETED MOORING LINE COVER REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
Step 6
Continue to whip the entire length of the damaged cover. Using some spare twine, tape a loop 2 inches past the last
complete whipping, letting the two free ends of the looped twine pass over the completed whipping. Tape the free
ends past the already whipped area.
Step 7
Continue whipping for 3 inches over the top of the looped twine. After whipping is complete, cut less than 1
inch of the exposed whipping twine. Remove the tape on the looped twine and pass the exposed whipping twine
through the loop.
Step 8
Remove the tape from the two free ends of the looped twine and use them to pull loop through the whipped
area. This should place the remaining whipping twine under the whipped area.
Step 9
Mix the urethane per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 10
Apply urethane liberally to the whipped area by hand using a latex glove. Also apply the urethane 3” beyond the
whipped area on either side. Cure times vary; consult manufacturer’s instructions.

Section III – ROPE HANDLING
REMOVING ROPE velop. Once these hockles appear,
they cannot be removed and the
rotating” when the rope is relaxed.
FROM REEL OR COIL: rope is permanently damaged at the

point of hockling.
COILING & FAKING:
Synthetic-fiber ropes are normally Three-strand ropes should be
shipped on reels for maximum If, on the other hand, the line is
coiled in a clockwise direction (or
protection while in transit. The continuously hauled over a winch
in the direction of the lay of the
rope should be removed from the in a clockwise direction, the rope
rope) and uncoiled in a counter-
reel by pulling it off the top while lay is shortened and the rope be-
clockwise direction to avoid kinks.
the reel is free to rotate. This can comes stiff and will kink readily.
An alternate and perhaps better
be accomplished by passing a pipe To avoid detrimental conditions, method is to fake out the line
through the center of the reel and the direction of turns over the figure-eight fashion. This avoids
jacking it up until the reel is free winch should be alternated regu- putting twist in the line in either
from the deck. Rope should never larly. Clockwise turns are recom- direction and lessens the risk of
be taken from a reel lying on its mended for the initial use of a new kinking.
side. If the rope is supplied on a line. If this practice is observed,
Great care must be taken in the
coil, it should always be uncoiled the original rope balance will be
stowage and proper coiling of
from the inside so that the first turn maintained and the lines will have a
three-strand ropes to prevent the
comes off the bottom in a counter- much longer useful life.
natural built-in twist of the line
clockwise direction.
This condition also arises in the from developing kinks and damag-
deep-sea mooring of free-rotating ing hockles.
buoys where a three-strand rope
Braided ropes on the other hand
will rotate until it spins and twists
have no built-in twist and are far
itself into hockles and eventually
more resistant to kinking. Even
destroys itself. The use of swivels
if kinks do develop they cannot
with three-strand ocean-towing
develop further
hawsers, or transmission string-
into hockles.
ing lines, may also cause damaging
hockles. The sudden release of a The best meth-
heavy strain may also cause hockles od for making
or hard kinks. up braided rope
for deck stowage
Excessive turns can cause kinking in
is in figure-eight
AVOID KINKING & any rope but hockles can occur only
fashion either
in the basic “twisted” ropes (three-
HOCKLING: strand, four-strand and cable-laid).
faked flat on the
deck or figure-
The continuous Braided and plaited ropes cannot be eight vertically
use of a line on one hockled; their inter-locking strand around bulkhead
side of a winch or construction prevents the unlay- cleats. It should
windlass is a com- ing. Strands run in both directions not be hand
mon abuse which creating a torque-free balance thus coiled in either
can render a line eliminating any inherent tendency direction as this merely puts turn
useless in a com- toward twist or rotation. Swivels into the line which may develop
paratively short can be used safely but are seldom into kinks when paying-out. Re-
time. Repeated necessary. One word of caution member that there is no turn or
hauling of a line here: when marrying a braided line twist in the line to begin with so do
over a winch in to a twisted line (and also to wire not produce it by coiling.
a counterclock- rope) the twisted line can impart
wise direction will its twist to the braided line if the
extend the lay of the ropes are married without a swivel
rope and simultane- in between.
ously shorten the A braided or plaited rope, being
twist of each strand. torque-free, can have twist induced
As this action by constant working on winches
continues, kinks (or and capstans. If a twist develops, it
hockles) will de- can easily be removed by “counter-

Section IV – USAGE & INSPECTION
STANDARDS FOR STRENTH & DETERMINATION:
NEW ROPE TENSILE STRENGTHS

New rope tensile strengths are based on tests of new and unused
spliced rope of standard construction in accordance with Samson Rope
Technologies Test Methods, which conform to Cordage Institute,
ASTM, and OCIMF testing procedures. All stated minimum tensile
strengths are based on a 98% confidence factor. It can be expected that
strengths will decrease as soon as a rope is put into use. Because of the
wide range of rope use, changes in rope conditions, exposure to the
many factors affecting rope behavior, and the possibility of risk to life
and property, it is impossible to cover all aspects of rope applications or
to make blanket recommendations as to working loads.
BREAKING STRENGTH DETERMINATION

Samson Rope Technologies has prepared a comprehensive test method to determine pertinent physical characteristics of fiber
ropes. The reasoning behind this is to allow our customers to fully understand how the products they purchase are tested. Easy
access to this method also allows our customers to conduct tests independently, when necessary. Widely accepted methods such
as ASTM D4268 and CI-1500 are very valuable tools to the cordage industry and it is not our intention to undermine these
methods. As a matter of fact, the SRT Test Method was built around the ASTM and CI methods, and complies with both.
However, these methods do not contain certain procedures that we at SRT perform everyday. Methods, such as the determination
of lay lengths (PPI for braids), linear density under relaxed conditions, and specifically stating cycle loads that are dependent on
fib�
We Recommend the SRT Testing Standard for the Following Reasons:

• Complies with EN 919 , ASTM D4268 and CI-1500 standards
• Has well defined details and procedures to assure consistent and reproducible data
• Generates practical measurements, applicable to real-world usage.
• Does not require data interpretation or computation based on empirical factors (e.g., realization factors,
terminated vs. unterminated strengths, etc.)
• Is suitable for all types of fiber ropes
Testing Standards
All Standard Organizations have a set procedure (standard) agreed upon by the specific committee members at the time of
publication. Since many of these organizations initially were regionalized, many of today’s competing standards have different
test procedures that met that regions needs. Since there are many different ways to report similar information, confusion
proliferates when comparing and contrasting the information using competing standards. Neither specification is incorrect; JUST
DIFFERENT.
ISO/BS-EN919
This international standard requires the rope’s strength to be reported without the effects of the termination. For most scenarios,
the rope’s strength will be 10% higher than the actual breaking strength of a spliced rope. This reporting technique gives an
accurate measure of the rope’s properties, but additional computation is needed when terminations are required.
Working Loads
Working loads are for rope in good condition with appropriate splices, in noncritical applications and under normal service
conditions. Working loads are based on a percentage of the approximate breaking strength of new and unused rope of current
manufacture. For the three-strand, eight strand, twelve-strand and double braid rope products depicted in this manual, when
used under normal conditions, the working load percentage is 20% of published strengths. Normal working loads do not cover
dyna�
these cases a lower working load must be used. A higher working load may be selected only with expert knowledge of conditions
and�
subject to dynamic loading (such as sudden drops, snubs or pickups), excessive use, elevated temperatures, or extended periods
under load.

STANDARDS, CONT.
Normal Working Loads
Normal working loads are not applicable when rope has been subject to dynamic loading. Whenever a load is picked up, stopped,
moved or swung there is an increased force due to dynamic loading. The more rapidly or suddenly such actions occur, the greater
th�
Examples could be ropes used as a tow line, picking up a load on a slack line, or using rope to stop a falling object. Dynamic
effe�
rope than on a long one. Therefore, in all such applications normal working loads as given do not apply.
Dynamic Loading
For dynamic loading applications involving severe exposure conditions, or for recommendations on special applications, consult
the manufacturer.
Danger to Personnel
Persons should be warned against the serious danger of standing in line with a rope under tension. Should the rope part, it may
recoil�
or the condition of use, the working load should be substantially reduced and the rope properly inspected before every use.
Splicing & Knots

Splices should be used instead of knots whenever possible because knots can decrease rope strength up to fifty percent. When
splices are used, always use the manufacturer’s recommended splicing procedures. When knots are used, be sure to take into con-
sideration the knot’s corresponding reduction to the rope strength and adjust your working load accordingly.
Rope Inspection
Avoid using rope that shows signs of aging and wear. If in doubt, destroy the used rope. No type of visual inspection can be guar-
anteed to accurately and precisely determine the actual residual strength. When the fibers show wear in any given area, the rope
sho�
be �
rope fibers contribute to the strength of the rope. When either is worn, the rope is naturally weakened. Open the strands of the
rope and look for powdered fiber, which is one sign of internal wear. A heavily used rope will often become compacted or hard
which indicates reduced strength. The rope should be discarded if this condition exists.
Avoid all Abrasive Conditions

All rope will be severely damaged if subjected to rough surfaces or sharp edges. Chocks, bitts, winches, drums and other surfaces
�
excessive wear.
Avoid Chemical Exposure

Rope is subject to damage by chemicals. Consult the manufacturer for specific chemical exposure, such as solvents, acids, and
alkalis. Consult the manufacturer for recommendations when a rope will be used where chemical exposure (either fumes or actual
contact) can occur.
Avoid Overheating
Heat can seriously affect the strength of synthetic ropes. The temperatures at which 50% strength loss can occur are: Polypro-
pylene 250° F, Nylon 350° F, Polyester 350° F. When using rope where the temperature exceeds these levels (or if it is too hot to
hold), consult the manufacturer for recommendations as to the size and –type of rope for the proposed continuous heat exposure
conditions. When using ropes on a capstan or winch, care should be exercised to avoid surging while the capstan or winch head
is rotating. The friction from the slippage causes localized overheating which can melt or fuse synthetic fibers, resulting in severe
loss of tensile strength.
Storage
All rope should be stored in a clean, dry, out of direct sunlight, and away from extreme heat. It should be kept off the floor on
racks to provide ventilation underneath. Never store on a concrete or dirt floor, and under no circumstances should cordage and
acid or alkalis be kept in the same vicinity. Some synthetic rope (in particular polypropylene and polyethylene) may be severely
weakened by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays unless specifically stabilized and/or pigmented to increase UV resis-
tance. UV degradation is indicated by discoloration and the presence of splinters and slivers on the surface of the rope.

The use of rope for any purpose subjects it to friction, bending and tension. All rope hardware, sheaves,
rollers, capstans, cleats, as well as knots are, in varying degrees, damaging to the rope. It is important to
understand that rope is a moving, working, strength member and even under the most ideal conditions will
lose strength during use in any application. Maximizing the safety of rope performance is directly related
to how strength loss is managed and making sure ropes are retired from service before they can create a
dangerous situation. Ropes are serious working tools and used properly will give consistent and reliable
service. The cost of replacing a rope is extremely small when compared to the physical damage or personnel
injury a worn out rope can cause.
ROPE LIFE FACTORS: highest possible strength. Twisted rope has lower
strength and more stretch. Braided rope has
There are basically three steps to consider in higher strength and lower stretch.
providing the longest possible service life, the
safest conditions and long range economy for FIRMNESS: Select ropes that are firm and round
ropes: Selection, Usage, and Retirement. and hold their shape during use. Soft or mushy
ropes will snag easily and abrade quickly causing
1. SELECTION accelerated strength loss. A loose or mushy rope
will almost always have higher break strengths
Select the right rope for the job in the first place. than a similar rope that is firm and holds its shape
because the fibers are in a straighter line which
Selecting a rope involves evaluating a combination
improves strength but compromises durability.
of factors. Some of these factors are straight
forward like comparing rope specifications. CONSTRUCTION AND ABRASION:
Others are less qualitative like a preference for a Rope construction plays an important role in
specific color or how a rope feels in your hand. resistance to normal wear and abrasion. Braided
Cutting corners, reducing application factors, ropes have a basically round, smooth construction
sizes or strengths on an initial purchase creates that tends to flatten out somewhat on a bearing
unnecessary replacements, potentially dangerous surface. This distributes the wear over a much
conditions and increases long term costs. Fiber and greater area, as opposed to the crowns of a three-
construction being equal, a larger rope will out-last strand or, to a lesser degree, on an eight-strand rope.
a smaller rope because of the greater surface wear
All ropes should be protected against sharp and
distribution. By the same token, a stronger rope
abrasive surfaces. Wire ropes tend to score and
will out-last a weaker one because it will be used at
gouge chocks and bitts creating cutting edges
a lower percentage of its break strength with less
that can damage synthetic ropes. Weld beads
chance of over stressing.
on repaired capstans, fairleads, etc. are equally
STRENGTH: When given a choice between damaging unless dressed down smoothly.
ropes, select the strongest of any given size. A load
of 200 pounds represents 2% of the strength of a 2. USAGE
rope with a breaking strength of 10,000 pounds. Use rope properly; do not abuse or shock load it,
The same load represents 4% of the strength of a observe recommended usage factors for bending
rope that has a breaking strength of 5,000 pounds. and work loads. Keep ropes clean and eliminate
The weaker rope is having to work harder and as a abrasion whenever possible.
result will have to be retired sooner.
ELONGATION: It is well accepted that ropes WORKING LOADS: Working loads are the
with lower elongation under load will give you loads that a rope is subjected to in everyday
better load control, a big help at complicated activity. They are normally expressed as a
job sites. However, a rope with lower elongation percentage of new rope strength and should not
that is shock loaded can fail without warning exceed 20%. A point to remember is that a rope
even though it appears to be in good shape. Low may be severely overloaded or shock loaded in use
elongating ropes should be selected with the without breaking. However, damage and strength

loss may have occurred without any visible
memory and retain the effects of being overloaded
indication. The next time the rope is used under
or shock loaded and can fail at a later time even
normal working loads the acquired weakness can
though loaded within the work load range.
cause it to break. Do not blame the rope, it was
simply overloaded and failed from what is known
as fatigue.
3. RETIREMENT
Retire rope from use when it has reached its
RECOMMENDED WORK LOAD LIMIT: discard point.
For catalogued ropes:
One of the most frequently asked questions is
CONSTRUCTION WORKING LOAD “When should I retire my rope?” The most obvious
3-Strand 20% (of break strength) answer is before it breaks. But, without a thorough
understanding of how to inspect it and knowing
8-Strand 20% (of break strength) the load history, you are left making an educated
12-Strand 20% (of break strength) guess. Unfortunately, there are no definitive
rules nor industry guidelines to establish when a
Double Braid 20% (of break strength)
rope should be retired because there are so many
BENDING: Any sharp bend in a rope under load variables that affect rope strength. Factors like
decreases its strength substantially and may cause load history, bending radius, abrasion, chemical
premature damage and failure. Sheave diameters exposure or some combination of those factors,
on rotating sheave blocks should be 10 times the make retirement decisions difficult. Inspecting your
rope diameter for twisted ropes and 8 times the rope should be a continuous process of observation
rope diameter for braided ropes. The diameter on before, during and after each use. In synthetic fiber
fixed pin terminations should be at least 3 times ropes the amount of strength loss due to abrasion
the rope diameter (i.e., the bending radius for 1/2” and/or flexing is directly related to the amount of
ropes should be 1-1/2”). broken fiber in the rope’s cross section. After each
use, look and feel along every inch of the rope
KNOTS: While it is true that a knot reduces rope length inspecting for abrasion, glossy or glazed
strength, it is also true that a knot is a convenient areas, inconsistent diameter, discoloration, and
way to accomplish rope attachment. The strength inconsistencies in texture and stiffness.
loss is a result of the tight bends that occur in
the knot. With some knots, ropes can lose up to UNDERSTANDING THE ROPE DESIGN/
50% of their strength. It is vital that the reduction CONSTRUCTION: It is first important to
in strength by the use of knots be taken into understand the design of the specific rope in use.
account when determining the size and strength Most ropes are designed to have features specifically
of a rope to be used in an application. To avoid tailored to their application. These features can
knot strength reduction, it is recommended that lead to mis-conceptions during visual inspections.
a rope be spliced according to the manufacturer’s When a rope has a braided cover, it is only possible
instructions. Splice terminations are used in all to visually inspect the cover (which, at best, carries
our ropes to determine new and unused tensile only 50% of the load). Rope designs utilizing
strengths. Therefore, whenever possible, spliced HMPE fibers will show initial rapid abrasion until
terminations should be used to maximize the rope the rope has a fuzzy appearance - this appearance
strength for new and used ropes. actually acts as a protective layer.
ROPE STORAGE: Keep your ropes as clean and DETERMINING THE AVERAGE
dry as possible and store them in a coil away from CONDITION OF THE ROPE:
heat sources. The average condition of a rope can be an
important factor in determining the rope’s
SHOCK LOADS: Shock loads are simply a retirement. To determine the average condition,
sudden change in tension from a state of relaxation walk the entire length of the rope and document
or low load to one of high load. Any sudden load its overall condition. Many ropes can be classified
that exceeds the work load by more than 10% is by the total amount of overall wear and cleanliness.
considered a shock load. The further an object Below are three different rope conditions
falls, the greater the impact. Synthetic fibers have a depicting a new rope (fig. 1), a used rope (fig. 2),

and a severely abrasion. If total fiber loss is 20%, then it is safe to
abraded rope assume that the rope has lost 20% of its strength as
(fig. 3). a result of abrasion.
Please note Internal abrasion can be determined by pulling

that there are one strand away from the others and looking for
various degrees powdered or broken fiber filaments (fig. 4 & fig. 5).
fig. 1
of rope conditions not shown here.
fig. 4
fig. 2
fig. 5
fig. 3
ABRASION: When the rope is first put into

service the outer filaments of the rope will
quickly fuzz up (fig. 2). This is the result of these
filaments breaking and this roughened surface To determine the extent of outer fiber damage
actually forms a protective cushion and shield from abrasion, a single strand in the all abraded
for the fibers underneath. This condition should areas should be examined.
stabilize, not progress.
Each examination of a surface yarn should be fig. 6
If the surface roughness increases (fig. 3), compared to
excessive abrasion is taking place and strength is an internal
being lost. As a general rule for braided ropes, yarn (fig. 6).
when there is 25% or more wear from abrasion
It should be
the rope should be retired from service. In other
noted that
words, if 25% or more of the fiber is broken or
comparing
worn away the rope should be removed from
diameters
service. With three-strand ropes, 10% or more
of the yarns
wear is accepted as the retirement point.
does not give an accurate measure of the retained
LOCATE AREAS DEVIATING FROM strength. Since the strength should depend on
AVERAGE: Many times a rope will have areas the cross-sectional area of the yarn, a diameter
that are routinely used around a bit, through a difference alone will underestimate the true
chock, or buried on the winch drum. These areas abrasion reduction. If the diameter of the abraded
typically have different wear patterns than the yarn is 1/2 the diameter of the internal yarn, the
average condition of the rope. Pay close attention strength of the abraded yarn is nearly 1/4 that of
to these areas in the future and frequently the internal yarn.
examine them for rapid changes in appearance.
Determining the extent of fiber loss due to
Look closely at both the inner and outer fibers. abrasion can be difficult. Since all the strands
When either is worn the rope is obviously are twisted, the outer fibers which are the most
weakened. Open the strands and look for prone to abrasion damage, rotate through the
powdered fiber which is one sign of internal wear. rope’s length. Therefore on a single strand, the
Estimate the internal wear to estimate total fiber fibers that have been abraded on one pick, are

not necessarily the fibers being abraded on the embedded in the rope or shock load damage and is
next. However, over a long distance, a single usually reason to replace the rope.
yarn could have the majority of fiber loss due to
TEMPERATURE: When using rope, friction
abrasion.
can be your best friend or worst enemy if it is not
GLOSSY OR GLAZED AREAS: Glossing managed properly. By definition, friction creates
or glazing can occur from two different heat, the greater the friction the greater the heat
mechanisms. buildup. Heat is an enemy to synthetic fiber and
The most elevated temperatures can drastically reduce the
common and strength and/or cause rope melt-through.
relatively The critical and melting temperatures for
benign form synthetic fibers are listed below:
of glossing or
glazing on a CRITICAL MELTING
rope is generally caused by compression, which FIBER TYPE TEMP. TEMP.
typically occurs when the rope is wound on the Polypropylene 250° F 330° F
winch drum, around bits, or through chocks or HMPE 150° F 297° F
staples. This form of glossing can be determined Technora 450° F 900° F *
on 8 and 12 strand products by compressing the Nylon 350° F 460° F
rope length wise forming a “bird cage” (fig. 7) Polyester 350° F 480° F
fig. 7 *Charring point
High temperatures can be achieved when surging

rope on a capstan or drum end, checking ropes
on bitts, and running over stuck or non-rolling
After numerous “bird cage” cycles the glossy sheaves or rollers. Each rope’s construction
region will become more pliable and begin to and fiber type will yield a different coefficient
resemble normal rope. If the glazed section of friction (reluctance to slip) in a new and
remains hardened, this could be a sign of heat used state. It is important to understand the
damage. Heat damaged rope typically has more operational demands and insure the size, rope
strength loss than the amount of melted fiber construction and fiber type be taken into account
indicates. Fibers adjacent to the melted areas to minimize heat buildup.
are probably damaged from excessive heat even
though they appear normal. It is reasonable to Never let ropes under tension rub together or
assume that the melted fiber has damaged an move relative to one another. Enough heat to
equal amount of adjacent unmelted fiber. melt the fibers can buildup and cause the rope to
fail as quickly as if it had been cut with a knife.
INCONSISTENT DIAMETER: Inspect for
flat areas, bumps or lumps. This can indicate core Always be aware of areas of heat buildup and take
or internal damage from overloading or shock steps to minimize it; under no circumstances let
loads and is usually sufficient reason to replace any rope come in contact with a steam line or any
the rope. other hot surfaces.
DISCOLORATION: With use, all ropes The strength of a used rope can be determined
get dirty. Be on the lookout for areas of by testing but the rope is destroyed in the process
discoloration which could be caused by chemical so the ability to determine the retirement point
contamination. Determine the cause of the before it fails in service is essential. That ability is
discoloration and replace the rope if it is brittle based on a combination of education in rope use
or stiff. and construction along with good judgment and
experience.
INCONSISTENCY IN TEXTURE AND
STIFFNESS: Can indicate excessive dirt or grit

VOLUME REDUCTION:
Left: Rope displaying original bulk.
Right: Rope displaying 25% strand
volume reduction from abrasion —rope
should be retired from service.
Left: Rope strands showing full volume. Right:
Rope strands reduced by 25% abrasion.
Pulled strands should be worked back into
the rope so they won’t continue to snag
and eventually cut.
CUT STRANDS:
Rope displays two adjacent cut strands. This
rope should either be retired or the cut sec-
tion should be removed and the remaining
rope re-spliced.
COMPRESSION:
Rope exhibits fiber-set from compression. A slight sheen is visible. This is
not a permanent characteristic and can be eliminated by flexing the rope.
This condition should not be confused with glazed or melted fiber (see
Melting below).
MELTING OR GLAZING:
Damage depicted at left caused by excessive heat which melted and fused the fibers.
This area will be extremely stiff. Unlike fiber compression, melting damage cannot
be mitigated by flexing the rope. Melted areas must be cut out and rope respliced or
the rope must be retired.
ROPE INSPECTION CHECK LIST

Condition Discard Point Condition Discard Point
1. Original rope bulk reduced by abrasion: 4. Fiber strands cut:
• Double braid* cover by 50% ............................................... ✔ • Double braid* by three or more
• 12-strand braid by 25% ..................................................... ✔ adjacent strands cut............................................................ ✔
• 8-strand plait by 25% ......................................................... ✔ • 12-strand braid by two or more
• 3-strand by 10% ................................................................ ✔ adjacent strands cut............................................................ ✔
• Localized or extended areas ............................................... ✔ • 8-strand plait by one or more
adjacent strands cut............................................................ ✔
2. Diameter inconsistency:
• 3-strand by one or more
• Localized diameter reduction .............................................. ✔
adjacent strands cut............................................................ ✔
• Flat areas........................................................................... ✔
• Lumps and bumps in rope................................................... ✔ 5. Inconsistency of texture:
3. Discoloration: • Localized or extended areas of stiffness .............................. ✔
• Localized or extended areas caused 6. Glossy or glazed fiber:
by chemical contamination ........................................ ✔ • Localized or extended areas ............................................... ✔
* Refers to double braids that have both core and cover strength members.

Section V – PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS
PRIMARY MOORING LINES
Floating Mooring Line
AmSteel -Blue
®
AmSteel-Blue is a twelve-strand rope construction

of Dyneema® SK-75 fiber that is coated with blue
Samthane™ urethane coating for added firmness
and wear resistance. It exceeds the strength of
wire, size for-size, and is generally one-seventh
the weight. For high visibility mooring order
AmSteel-Blue coated Yellow. Please specifiy
coating color code: X = 8 (Blue); 1 ( Yellow).
Refer to page 15 for important information on
END-FOR-ENDING to maximize the service life of
these mooring lines. 1-1/2-inch diameter AmSteel-Blue on the MV Kometic
MINIMUM MOORING
APPROPRIATE NEW ROPE LINE CHEVRON SRT
REPLACE “X” IN SIZE FOR CLASS WEIGHT TENSILE STRENGTH LENGTH CONFIG. RAST PART
SRT PART NUMBER Dia. Circ. Vessel per 100 Ft. Lbs Metric Tonnes (Put-Up) Drawing Number Number
WITH 8 FOR BLUE 1-1/8” 3-1/2” 35 to 60 MDWT 31.9 Lbs 133,000 Lbs 60.4 MT 1,000 Ft OAL A 727501 872072X10029
1 FOR YELLOW
1-5/16” 4” 35 to 60 MDWT 41.8 Lbs 166,000 Lbs 75.2 MT 700 Ft OAL A 727690 872084X07029
1-5/16” 4” 35 to 60 MDWT 41.8 Lbs 166,000 Lbs 75.1 MT 1,000 Ft OAL A 727509 872084X10029
1-1/2” 4-1/2” 60 to 150 MDWT 51.7 Lbs 205,000 Lbs 93.1 MT 900 Ft OAL B 727510 872096X09021
1-1/2” 4-1/2” 60 to 150 MDWT 51.7 Lbs 205,000 Lbs 93.1 MT 610 Ft OAL C 727691 872096X06120
1-5/8” 5” 150 MDWT 65.2 lbs 255,000 Lbs 115.5 MT 1,000 Ft OAL A 727692 872104X10029
SPECIFIC GRAVITY: .98 (floats)
MOORING LINE CONFIGURATIONS

A ➤ 1,000-ft.
(1-5/16” dia. also available in 700-ft.)
➤
➤ 6-ft. ➤ ➤ 6-ft. ➤
Lines are spliced with 6-foot Cordura nylon covered eyes each end and
ELASTIC 8-feet of grommeted rubber reinforced chafe sleeve. See Addendum 1 for detailed drawing.
ELONGATION%
at % of Break Strength B ➤ 900-ft. ➤
10% 20% 30% ➤ 6-ft. ➤
0.46% 0.70% 0.96%
Refer to the 12 Strand

Line is spliced with a 6-foot eye one end, no chafe protection on eye or body of rope.
Class II splicing in-
sructions provided C ➤ 610-ft. ➤
in Section II - SPLICING
INSTRUCTIONS (pp 17-
20 ) of this Manual. Straight rope only, no splices or chafe gear.
See important pendant information on page 57 and addendum page II

PRIMARY MOORING LINES
FORCE-8 Product Code: 871
Currently being field-evaluated aboard the Washington Voyager.
This unique, patented construction has a firm cross-section designed for single drum and
split drum winch applications. the firm construction results in reduced compresssion and
minimizes diving on the drum, while still providing the high strength, low weight, and
excellent flex fatigue resistance of a Dyneema rope.
The Samthane coating applied to the rope gives added wear protection without impacting
flexibility or ease of splicing. Force-8 is available in long continuous production block creel
lengths to meet the needs of deep water mooring or lifting projects. The design of Force-8
allows for easy visual inspection and verification of internal and external strand wear.
Recommended for split drum or single drum winch applications; not recommended for
use on H-bitts, capstans or cleats if surging or rendering the rope is required.
Refer to page 15 for important information on END-FOR-ENDING to maximize the service
life of these mooring lines.
MINIMUM MOORING
APPROPRIATE NEW ROPE LINE
SIZE FOR CLASS WEIGHT TENSILE STRENGTH LENGTH
Dia. Circ. Vessel per 100 Ft. Lbs Metric Tonnes (Put-Up)
1-1/8” 3-1/2” Application Specific 29.2 Lbs 113,000 Lbs 51.3 MT 1,000 Ft OAL
1-5/16” 4” Application Specific 37.9 Lbs 143,000 Lbs 64.7 MT 1,000 Ft OAL
1-5/8” 5” Application Specific 58.5 lbs 213,000 Lbs 96.7 MT 1,000 Ft OAL
1-3/4” 5-1/2” Application Specific 70.4 lbs 253,000 lbs 115.0 MT 1,000 Ft OAL
SPECIFIC GRAVITY: .98 (floats)
ELASTIC
ELONGATION
at % of Break Strength
10% 20% 30%

0.70% 0.90% 1.20%
Refer to the 8x3 Strand Class II splicing insructions provided in Section II - SPLICING INSTRUCTIONS (pp 25-28) of this Manual.

JACKETED MOORING LINES
DPX-75 & EPX-75 are currently being field-
evaluated aboard the Washington Voyager.
DPX-75 Product Code: 865

A unique bonding material combines the cover and 12-strand core of Dyneema SK-75 to insure no
movement between the two components. this construction creates a very firm round rope that will
have minimal flattening under load and little tendency to dive or jam on winch drums. DPX-75
was designed to replace wire rope on winch drums but not to serve as a marine working rope. This
firm construction works extremely well as a mooring or winch line. When a jacketed mooring line is
preferred, DPX-7 5will give the maximum mooring line performance on the market.
MINIMUM MOORING
1-5/8” 5” Application Specific 58.0 lbs 225,000 Lbs 102.0 MT 1,000 Ft OAL
SPECIFIC GRAVITY: 1.00
Refer to the EPX/DPX Cover Repair Instructions

ELASTIC
splicing insructions pro- for Jacketed Mooring Lines ELONGATION %
vided in Section II - SPLICING are available on pp 37-38. A at % of Break Strength
INSTRUCTIONS (pp 33-36) of Jacketed Mooring Line Cover (for DPX-75 & EPX-75)
this Manual. Repair Kit is also available.
10% 20% 30%
0.33% 0.49% .76%
EPX-75 Product Code: 866

A 12-strand braided Dyneema SK-75 core bonded to a proprietary fuzzy EPX cover of polyester fiber
®
creates a hard, round torque-free rope much like wire but with better resistance to flex-fatique and tension
fatigue. The rope will perform on the drum like wire but is lighter, more flexible, easier to handle, and it
won’t rust or fishhook. Due to the bond between cover and core, there is no cover to core slippage. This
construction exhibits less of a tendency to dive or jam on drums and minimal flattening under load.
MINIMUM MOORING
1-11/16” 5-1/4” Application Specific 66.0 lbs 252,000 Lbs 114.0 MT 1,000 Ft OAL

SECONDARY MOORING LINES
Round Plait SSR-1200 ™
A firm, balanced twelve-strand rope construction with each strand comprised of a compound
yarn design of high tenacity polyester fiber plied over Ultra Blue™ fiber. Each strand has
Pro-Gard marine finish applied to enhance wet wear resistance. The flexibility and low
handling weight make this product an excellent replacement for ropes made from 100%
polyester.
Round Plait 12-Strand (RP-12) ropes tend to have better “service life” than 8-strand plaited
ropes due to the more rounded configuration of the construction’s cross-section versus the
more square cross-section of an 8-strand construction. The rounded configuration distributes
wear more evenly across a larger surface area of fiber. RP-12 SSR-1200 was developed by
Samson Rope Technologies to provide the strength, stretch and durability characteristics
of an all-polyester rope but with lower handling weight. The lower handling weight is a
result of using Ultra Blue olefin fiber which has a lower weight than polyester and does
not absorb water.
MINIMUM MOORING
SIZE FOR CLASS WEIGHT TENSILE STRENGTH LENGTH RAST PART
Dia. Circ. Vessel per 100’ Lbs Metric Tonnes (Put-Up) Number Number
2-1/2” 7-1/2” Application Specific 150.0 143,000 Lbs 64.9 MT 720 Ft OAL 727760 416160007202
2-5/8” 8” Application Specific 176.0 158,000 Lbs 71.4 MT 720 Ft OAL 727694 416168007202
2-3/4” 8-1/2” Apllication Specific 199.0 184,000 Lbs 83.3 MT 720 Ft OAL 727695 416176007202
3” 9” Application Specific 231.0 198,000 Lbs 89.8 MT 720 Ft OAL N/A 416192007202
3-1/4” 10” Application Specific 286.0 243,000 Lbs 110.0 MT 720 Ft OAL N/A 416208007202
3-5/8” 11” Application Specific 342.0 306,000 Lbs 139.0 MT 720 Ft OAL N/A 416232007202
4” 12” Application Specific 413.0 369,000 Ls 167.0 MT 720 Ft OAL N/A 416296007202
MOORING LINE CONFIGURATION

720-ft.
➤ 6-ft. ➤ ➤ 6-ft. ➤
Line described above is spliced with 6-foot eyes each end.
ELASTIC
ELONGATION % Refer to the Round Plait Class I splicing
at % of Break Strength insructions provided in Section II - SPLICING
INSTRUCTIONS (pp 29-30) of this Manual.
10% 20% 30%
1.46% 2.58% 4.04%

ALTERNATE SECONDARY MOORING LINES

Round Plait PNX ™
RP12 Ultra Blue PNX was designed as a superior wearing and handling, floating Sec-
ondary Mooring Line. A firm, Round Plait construction of alternating yarns of high
tenacity polyester and Ultra Blue™ fiber in each of the twelve-strands. Ultra Blue fiber
floats, does not absorb water, is more durable than standard polypropylene and is resis-
tant to ultraviolet degradation. The polyester used in this construction provides added
durability and strength. RP-12 Ultra Blue PNX is a distinctive sky-blue and white rope
with a red and green ID tracer.
MINIMUM MOORING
SIZE FOR CLASS WEIGHT TENSILE STRENGTH LENGTH RAST PART
Dia. Circ. Vessel per 100 Ft. Lbs Metric Tonnes (Put-Up) Number Number
3” 9” Application Specific 178 Lbs 162,000 Lbs 73.5 MT 720 Ft OAL 727697 415192007202
SPECIFIC GRAVITY: .99
MOORING LINE CONFIGURATION

720-ft.
➤ 6-ft. ➤ ➤ 6-ft. ➤
Line described above is spliced with 6-foot eyes each end.
ELASTIC
ELONGATION %
10% 20% 30% Refer to the Round Plait Class I splicing insructions provided in
Section II - SPLICING INSTRUCTIONS (pp 29-30) of this Manual.
2.3% 3.1% 5.0%

ALTERNATE SECONDARY MOORING LINES
Proton 8 Product Code: 830
Currently in use on the Star of Ohio.

Proton 8 uses Dyneema SK-75 for high strength and low weight with a polyester overlay
to provide the heat resistance and grip necessary for us on bitts and capstans. Its firm,
flexible, torque-free construction performs well on both single and split drum winches.
Compared to all polyester or polyester/polypro combo ropes, Proton 8 is over twice as
strong and weighs less size for size. It provides substantially better service life, is almost
neutrally buoyant, and has low water absorption for ease and speed of handling during
deployment and retrieval. The yellow Samthane coating ensures maximum wear resistance
and service life while making Proton 8 highly visible.
This unique Dyneema working line is a proven solution to the problem of large, heavy
ropes that are difficult to manage, and add opportunity for crew injury.
Designed for use on H-bits and capstans for surging and rendering.
MINIMUM MOORING
1-1/8” 3-1/2” Application Specific 30.5 Lbs 68,900 Lbs 31.3 MT 720 Ft OAL
1-5/16” 4” Application Specific 41.5 Lbs 104,000 Lbs 47.2 MT 720 Ft OAL
1-5/8” 5” Application Specific 68.0 Lbs 140,000 Lbs 63.5 MT 720 Ft OAL
2” 6” Application Specific 99.0 Lbs 238,000 Lbs 108.0 MT 720 Ft OAL
2-1/8” 6-1/2” Application Specific 112.0 Lbs 277,000 Lbs 126 MT 720 Ft OAL
2-1/4” 7” Application Specific 125.0 Lbs 316,000 Lbs 143 MT 720 Ft OAL
2-1/2” 7-1/2” Application Specific 149.0 Lbs 396,000 Lbs 180 MT 720 Ft OAL
ELASTIC
ELONGATION %
10% 20% 30%

0.58% 0.87% 0.96%
Refer to the 8-Strand Class II splicing insructions provided in

Section II - SPLICING INSTRUCTIONS (pp 21-24) of this manual.

PRIMARY MOORING LINE COMPARISON
PRIMARY MINIMUM % ELASTIC
NEW ROPE ELONGATION
MOORING LINE
SIZE APPROPRIATE TENSILE WEIGHT FLOATS 30% COEFFICIENT
Dia. Circ. For Class Strength per100 FT. Yes/No Strength OF FRICTION
1-1/8” 3-1/2” 35 to 60 MDWT 133,000 Lbs 31.9 Lbs Yes 0.70% 0.08
1-5/16” 4” 35 to 60 MDWT 166,000 Lbs 41.8 Lbs Yes 0.70% 0.08
1-1/2” 4-1/2” 60 to 100 MDWT 205,000 Lbs 51.7 Lbs Yes 0.70% 0.08
AmSteel-Blue
1-5/8” 5” 130 MDWT 255,000 Lbs 65.2 lbs Yes 0.70% 0.08
12-Strand Dyneema
& Over
SK-75 fiber

MOORING LINE NEW ROPE ELONGATION
1-1/8” 3-1/2” Application Specific 113,000 Lbs 29.2 Lbs Yes 0.70% 0.08
1-5/16” 4” Application Specific 143,000 Lbs 37.9 Lbs Yes 0.70% 0.08
Force-8
8X3-Strand Dyneema
SK-75 fiber

DPX-75
Jacketed Core Dependant
SK-75 fiber

EPX-75
12-strand Dyneema
SK-75 fiber core

SECONDARY MOORING LINE COMPARISON
MINIMUM % ELASTIC
NEW ROPE ELONGATION
2-1/2” 7-1/2” Application Specific 143,000 Lbs 150 Lbs No 4.04% 0.12 - 0.15
1-5/16” 4” Application Specific 158,000 Lbs 176 Lbs No 4.04% 0.12 - .015
RP-12 SSR-1200 1-1/2” 4-1/2” Application Specific 184,000 Lbs 199 Lbs No 4.04% 0.12 - 0.15
Braided Ultra Blue and
polyester fiber
MINIMUM % ELASTIC
NEW ROPE ELONGATION
3” 9” Application Specific 162,000 Lbs 178 Lbs Yes 5.0% 0.14 - 0.17
RP-12
Ultra Blue PNX
Braided Ultra Blue and
polyester fiber
MINIMUM % ELASTIC
NEW ROPE ELONGATION
1-1/2” 4-1/2” Application Specific 125,000 Lbs 55.4 Lbs No 0.96% .15 - .22
1-5/8” 5” Application Specific 140,000 Lbs 68.0 Lbs No 0.96% .15 - .22
1-3/4” 5-1/2” Application Specific 190,000 Lbs 74.8 Lbs No 0.96% .15 - .22
2” 6” Application Specific 238,000 Lbs 99.0 Lbs No 0.96% .15 - .22
PROTON 8
8-Strand 2-1/8” 6-1/2” Application Specific 277,000 Lbs 112 Lbs No 0.96% .15 - .22
Dyneema & Polyester 2-1/4” 7” Application Specific 316,000 Lbs 125 Lbs No 0.96% .15 - .22
2-1/2” 7-1/2” Application Specific 396,000 Lbs 149 Lbs No 0.96% .15 - .22

MOORING PENDANTS
Site-to-site review of primary mooring line usage revealed that the use of mooring pendants
or grommets increases the service life of the mooring line by mitigating the effects of
shock loading. Due to this increased performance, ChevronTexaco Shipping Company
now requires the use of mooring pendants or grommets with all primary mooring lines.
Mooring Master P-7

™
This high strength, 100% polyester fiber rope has excellent surge mitigation and superior
resistance flex-fatigue. Produced from high tenacity polyester fiber for the seven parallel
braided strength cores and a non-load-bearing braided chafe protection cover. The efficiency of
this construction provides a very high strength-to-weight ratio. P-7 enables the use of smaller
diameters to replace standard polyester rope constructions, thereby minimizing weight.
Mooring Master P-7 pendants have Cordura chafe sleeve covered eyes and the splice area
below the eye is covered with orange Samthane. Though not as flexible as 8-strand plaited
polyester pendants, P-7 pendants are very durable.
MINIMUM NEW ROPE CHEVRON SRT

SIZE Dia. SIZE Circ. APPROPRIATE WEIGHT TENSILE STRENGTH LENGTH RAST PART
Inches mm Inches For Class per 100 Ft. Lbs MT (Put-Up) Number Number
2-1/8” 52 6-1/2” 35 to 60 MDWT 143 Lbs 171,000 Lbs 77.6 MT 36 Ft OAL 727698 709136000499
2-1/4” 56 7” 35 to 60 MDWT 159 Lbs 192,000 Lbs 87.3 MT 36 Ft OAL 727699 709144000499
2-1/2” 60 7-1/2” 60 to 100 MDWT 195 Lbs 237,000 Lbs 108 MT 36 Ft OAL 727700 709160000499
2-5/8” 64 8” 60 to 100 MDWT 214 Lbs 261,000 Lbs 118 MT 36 Ft OAL 727701 709168000499
3” 72 9” 130 MDWT & Over 276 Lbs 338,000 Lbs 153 MT 36 Ft OAL 727702 709192000499
SPECIFIC GRAVITY: .99
MOORING PENDANT CONFIGURATION
36-ft.
Mooring Master P-7 ➤ ➤
pendant supplied with 6-ft ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤
Cordura covered eye one end,

3-ft. Cordura covered eye
other end. Splice area covered
with urethane coating. See drawing detail in Addendum II.
ELASTIC
ELONGATION %
10% 20% 30%
0.96% 1.84% 2.82%

MOORING LINE STOPPER Tenex can also be used for tensioning when installing rope.
Tenex ™
A twelve-strand single braid construction of high tenacity polyester fiber coated with green
Samthane urethane. Tenex provides very high strength and low stretch. Use will enhance
the grip on this rope. The urethane coating adds and added abrasion resistance. This non-
torquing rope is very easy to splice.
MINIMUM NEW ROPE CHEVRON

SIZE APPROPRIATE WEIGHT TENSILE STRENTGTH LENGTH RAST SRT
Dia. Circ. For Class per 100 Ft. Lbs Metric Tonnes (Put-Up) Number Part Number
1-1/4” 3-3/4” All Vessels 55.0 Lbs 55,800 Lbs 25.3 MT 300 Ft OAL 727705 826080503020
Mooring line stoppers are only for use on synthetic fiber secondary mooring lines, or mooring
lines not on winches. This stopper should not be used on AmSteel-Blue primary mooring
lines. Tenex stoppers can be used with Proton 8.
Tenex Stoppers are to be inspected regularly per the Selection, Inspection and Retirement
Guidelines detailed in this manual. ChevronTexaco Shipping requires retirement of all Stop-
pers after five (5) years of service regardless of their physical appearance (this is required to insure
the proper residual break strength requirements of the Stoppers).
Please refer to the November 1999 Chevron

Safety Bulletin for complete information on
proper usage of Mooring Line Stoppers.
ELASTIC
ELONGATION
10% 20% 30%

1.4% 2.3% 3.0%

DECK & HANDY LINES
ChevronTexaco Shipping and Offshore Operations approved Deck and Handy lines are
required to be 100% high tenacity polyester ropes for strength, elasticity, durability
and safety reasons. Samson Rope Technologies’ premium polyester ropes meet these
standards.
3-Strand Premium Polyester

3-Strand premium polyester fiber in a 4-stage construction with excellent balance and durability.
MINIMUM NEW ROPE CHEVRON

SIZE APPROPRIATE WEIGHT TENSILE STRENGTH LENGTH RAST SRT
Dia. Circ. For Class per 100 Ft. Lbs MT (Put-Up) Number Part Number
1/4” 3/4” All Vessels 2.0 Lbs 1,900 Lbs .86 MT 600 Ft OAL 727706 090016006030
3/8” 1-1/8” All Vessels 4.5 Lbs 4,200 Lbs 1.9 MT 600 Ft OAL 727707 090024006030
5/8” 2” All Vessels 12.2 Lbs 11,100 Lbs 5.0 MT 600 Ft OAL 727709 090040006020
1” 3” All Vessels 30.4 Lbs 25,900 Lbs 11.7 MT 600 Ft OAL 727711 090064006020
1-1/4” 3-3/4” All Vessels 47.5 Lbs 39,800 Lbs 18.1 MT 600 Ft OAL 727712 090080006000
1-5/16” 4” All Vessels 52.5 Lbs 44,500 Lbs 20.2 MT 600 Ft OAL 727713 090084006000
1-5/8” 5” All Vessels 80.5 Lbs 67,700 Lbs 30.7 MT 600 Ft OAL 727714 090104006000
1-3/4” 5-1/2” All Vessels 93.7 lbs 78,400 Lbs 35.6 MT 600 Ft OAL 727715 090112006000
CHEVRONTEXACO SHIPPING’S RECOMMENDED

FABRICATION OF DECK AND HANDY LINES
(all lines cut and fabricated by ChevronTexaco Mariners)
• General Deck Lines 3/4” or 1” diameter x 120-feet

1/4” diameter through 1” diameter • Block & Fall Lines and
• Messenger Lines Block & Handy Billies
5/8” diameter through 1” diameter, 1/2” diameter
depending on load being pulled • Lifting Straps
ELASTIC
• Utility Lines 3-3/4” circumference x 12-feet with
ELONGATION 1” diameter x 30-feet with 18-inch eye ➤ 12-ft. ➤
12” ➤ 12” ➤
at % of Break Strength spliced each end
➤ ➤
➤ 30-ft. ➤
10% 20% 30% ➤ 18” ➤ ➤ 18” ➤
1.8% 3.5% 4.1%
12-inch eye spliced each end
• Buoy Hang-Off Lines • Cargo Hose Slip Line
3-3/4” circumference x 150-feet
Refer to the 3-Strand splicing insructions provided in Section II - SPLICING INSTRUCTIONS, (p. 31-32) of this Manual.

TESTING INFORMATION
CTS AND SRT ALLIANCE:

TESTING PROGRAM FOR PAL OPERATIONS
AND STANDARD FLEET OPERATIONS
Samson Rope Technologies and ChevronTexaco Shipping

have embarked on a three year study to determine the
behavior of high performance synthetic lines based on
usage. These tests were isolated to the lines that are critical
for safe mooring/lightering operations, such as AmSteel-
Blue primary mooring lines, Mooring Master P7 mooring
pendants, and AmSteel-Blue Fender Towlines (Lightering).
The goal of the study is to develop a set of data that can be
used to set safe and economical retirement criteria.
Retirement Criteria for wire involved visual inspection of

the outer wires and has been accepted for many years. That
visual inspection was limited to the effects of damage that
can be seen, but failed to observe the cumulative effects
of shock loading and tensile fatigue. Therefore, visual
inspections of synthetic fiber rope will also be limited to
abrasion, melting, and broken fiber phenomena. These observations can determine if the rope
should be retired, but are limited in determining the amount of life remaining in the line.
Retirement Criteria for synthetic fiber ropes must be made based on the usage of the lines in
conjunction with frequent visual inspections. In this study we are removing the AmSteel-Blue and
Mooring Master P7 pendants based on years of service and testing the rope’s residual strength. The
lines’ residual strengths are then reported with the amount of mooring/lightering hours that the
lines had performed to the date of removal, which, over the duration of the testing program, should
result in a characteristic data set for each class of vessel tested.
The tests are taking place on the Altair Voyager, Neptune Voyager, Washington Voyager, and the
Cygnus Voyager. For more details on the testing program and the results to date, please contact
your vessel’s Marine Superintendent.

Section V - ADDENDA
Residual strength data is being compiled in a joint effort by Samson Rope
Technologies and ChevronTexaco Shipping. Periodically, as data become available
or updated, this information will be supplied as an Addendum to this manual.
These Addenda should be filed in this section of the ChevronTexaco Rope Manual
for ease of reference.
Addenda issued as of March 8, 2001:
Addendum I .......Chafe Guard Detail Drawing .... Issued: March 8, 2001
Addendum II......P-7 Mooring Pendant
Detail Drawing ........................... Issued: March 8, 2001
Section V - ADDENDUM I
CHAFE GUARD - DETAIL DRAWING
Installed on Primary Mooring Line, configuration A,
pictured on page 49 of the ChevronTexaco Rope Manual.
May also be purchased separately in 8-foot lengths
to replace old chafe material or retrofit primary and
secondary mooring lines.
A tubular polyester braid coated with a highly wear-
resistant rubberized material. This unique approach
to chafe guard allows a synthetic mooring line ease of
Rubber chafe guard installed on AmSteel-Blue
movement on the inner braided liner. The rubberized
mooring lines used aboard the Washington Voyager
outer cover minimizes the
SIZE LENGTH CT RAST SRT PART
overall guard movement at Inside Dia. (Put-Up) Number Number
mooring due to its frictional 2-3/8” 8 Ft OAL 733232 999601100019
characteristics. Each end of 4-1/4” 8 Ft OAL 733233 999601200019
the chafe sleeve has a set of
grommets for control line
attachment.
THIRD EDITION - Issued: July, 2004

Section V - ADDENDUM II
P-7 MOORING PENDANT - DETAIL DRAWING
Pictured on page 57 in the ChevronTexaco Rope Manual, this mooring pendant is

made with Mooring Master P-7 and supplied with a 6-foot Cordura covered eye
on one end; a 3-foot Cordura covered eye other end and tough urethane coating
covering the spliced area of both eyes.
40-Ft.
6-Ft. 3-Ft.
2
1
3
Ref. A Ref. A
3-Inches 6-Inches 6-Inches 3-Inches
Ref. A
1 Orange Samthane Coating Type C Size Whipping Length
Circ. Inches/# Fids
2 Cordura Nylon Chafe Sleeve
6-1/2" 45" / 3
3 Whipping, see Ref. A 7" 47" / 3
7-1/2" 53" / 3
8" 55" / 3
9" 63" / 3
THIRD EDITION - Issued: July, 2004

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Created by Samson Rope Technologies for mariners, engineers and procurement specialists at ChevronTexaco Shipping L.L.C.

Supplier to ChevronTexaco Shipping Company LLC for Over 30 Years

Samson Rope Technologies

Periodic updates supplied by Samson Rope Technologies

THIRD EDITION - Issued: July, 2004 3

Question: When converting

Question: Can AmSteel-Blue mooring lines be repaired aboard ship?

THIRD EDITION - Issued: July, 2004 5

Question: Is that all there is to it?

6 THIRD EDITION - Issued: July, 2004

Question: Are AmSteel-Blue mooring lines affected by sunlight?

THIRD EDITION - Issued: July, 2004 7

THIRD EDITION - Issued: July, 2004 9

10 THIRD EDITION - Issued: July, 2004

All Samson ropes are categorized for splicing

Class I ropes are produced with non high mod-

12-Strand, Round Plait™ Class I Ropes are produced with traditional

Class II ropes are produced with high modu-

THIRD EDITION - Issued: July, 2004 11

COMPONENTS OF STRETCH ON A LOADED ROPE

12 THIRD EDITION - Issued: July, 2004

ironically, many of these bow

SHEAVE and shoulder bitts are equipped

with “horns” of a relatively small

which the lines pass and bend

ﬁrst in many cases. This results

THIRD EDITION - Issued: July, 2004 13

A single drum or split drum winch, should EFFECT OF DIAMETER ON

DETERMINING LENGTH TO FIT WINCH DRUM: ▲

The formula for rope capacity on a winch drum is: ▲

stored (ft.) (15.3 (rope dia.)2) ▲

A, B, C and rope diameter in inches.

14 THIRD EDITION - Issued: July, 2004

PENDANT CONNECTION TO PRIMARY MOORING LINE

COW HITCH (EYE-TO-EYE)

Polyester pendant (left) cow hitched to Cordura-covered Am-

END-FOR-ENDING MOORING LINES

THIRD EDITION - Issued: July, 2004 15

Step 2...Making Taper

Step 3...Bury Tail into Standing Part of Line

THIRD EDITION - Issued: July, 2004 17

Step 5...To Finish Eye Splice

LOCK STITCH PROCEDURE

18 THIRD EDITION - Issued: July, 2004

Step 1...Marking Measurements

Step 2...Tapering Tail

Step 3...Repositioning Ropes

THIRD EDITION - Issued: July, 2004 19

Pull tapered tail of Rope A until you have

Leave tail sticking out

Step 5...Finish Burying

Step 6...Smooth Out Splice

20 THIRD EDITION - Issued: July, 2004

THIRD EDITION - Issued: July, 2004 21

22 THIRD EDITION - Issued: July, 2004

Step 1...Getting Started

Lay ropes out and count 30 picks

Tie string or tape securely at

Step 2 ... Marking

Step 3 ... Separating & Taping