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Republic of Singapore Navy
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Learning the ropes

A mark of a true sailor is the ability to make knots, bends, hitches and splices with rope without hesitation. Read this guide to help you learn the ropes, literally.

Last updated 22 July 2025

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Bends and hitches
Splicing
Naval personnel handling ropes on the deck of a ship with ocean background.

Bends and hitches

A bend is a way to fasten two ropes together, while a hitch is a way to fasten a rope to an object.

Illustration of a bowline

Bowline

This versatile knot does not slip under load, yet can be easily untied without a load. Done properly, this knot is so reliable that it can even be used as a lifeline around a person’s waist.

Illustration of a clove hitch

Clove hitch

Consisting of two half hitches, the clove hitch securely fastens the rope to a spar or fenders (cushion-like impact absorbers hung over the vessel’s side). It can be made even more secure with more half hitches.

Illustration of a timber hitch and half hitch

Timber hitch and half hitch

These hitches are used to tow, hoist or lower a spar, which is a wooden or metal pole used to support sails and rigging.

Illustration of a reef knot

Reef knot

This easily undone knot is perfect for joining lines of the same thickness together.

Illustration of a double sheet bend

Double sheet bend

This bend is used to secure two unequal-sized lines together.

Illustration of a figure-of-eight

Figure-of-eight

This knot is often used to tie the ship to a dock. This knot prevents a rope from unreeving (withdrawing).

Splicing

A splice is a way to form a semi-permanent joint between two ropes or two parts of the same rope.

Illustration of a monkey fist

Monkey fist

This splice is tied at the end of the rope to serve as a weight at the end of a heaving line. The splice looks like a small simian fist — hence the name.

Illustration of a back splice

Back splice

This splice is used to prevent the end of a rope from fraying.