Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L01173:body:0:p70
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L01173
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 182347–185070

sand or dragging over rough surfaces may damage rope and should be avoided.
An eye or rope splice in a rope of natural fibre should have not less than three tucks and the tail of each tuck should be whipped in a suitable manner.
Ropes used in connection with safety equipment should preferably be of natural fibre.
If synthetic fibre ropes are used for life-saving purposes, they should:
       be approved for the purpose; and
       carry a means of identification that they are of the approved quality.
When using synthetic fibre ropes, seafarers should:
       be aware of the whiplash effects of a breakage in synthetic fibre ropes resulting from their added elasticity and lack of warning signs before breaking;
       avoid operations by which friction can heat the strands of the rope and produce a partial melting or stickiness in operation, as for example during surging or slacking away on a drum end or winch barrel, excessive angle around or movement over bollards or fairleads, or rubbing against or across a wire rope or hatch coaming;
       ensure that the manufacturer's recommendations are followed when surging operations are carried out using winch drums to avoid excessive slippage;
       ensure that when taking in or paying out rope, slippage between the rope and the drum or barrel is reduced to a minimum;
       avoid gripping any rope that has become heated by friction;
       not allow ropes to run freely through their hands; and
       ensure that such ropes are not unduly exposed to sunlight or harmful chemicals.
Rope of synthetic material stretches under load to an extent which varies according to the material. Polyamide rope stretches the most. Stretching of synthetic fibre rope, which may be up to double that of natural fibre rope, is usually recovered almost instantaneously when tension is released. A break in the rope may therefore result in a dangerous back-lash and an item of running gear breaking loose may be projected with lethal force. Snatching of such ropes should be avoided. Where it may occur inadvertently, seafarers should stand well clear of the danger areas. The possibility of a mooring or towing rope parting under the load is reduced by proper care, inspection and maintenance and by its proper use in service, but it can nevertheless still happen without warning.
Synthetic fibre ropes may easily be damaged by melting if frictional heat is generated during use. Too much friction on a warping drum may fuse the rope with the consequential sticking and jumping of turns, which can be dangerous. Polypropylene is more liable to soften than other material. To avoid fusing, ropes should not be surged unnecessarily on winch barrels. For this reason,