The one attached to a life preserver is a life line. This term applies in particular to the big, heavy ropes used to tie ships to piers and the like. The only complete American ropewalk in existence is at the Charlestown Navy Yard near Boston. It consists of vertical ropes or chains supporting horizontal, historically round and wooden, rungs. Rope (called “line” in the Navy) is used primarily for tying up to a pier, transporting food and equipment during underway replenishment, et al. Header The front part is called the bow and the back part is called the stern. It works for garden hoses, tree felling and rock climbing. Best Sailing, Captain Shel. The forecastle of a ship, commonly seen spelled as foc'sle to reflect the truncated pronunciation used by mariners, is the area where sailors sleep and congregate while off duty. The ones for the flags are called signal halyards. The term Jacob's ladder, used on a ship, applies to two kinds of rope ladders. The ones for the flags are called signal halyards. The front of a ship is called the bow. February 22nd, 2013 | Category: Boat Terminology. It consists of vertical ropes or chains supporting horizontal, historically round and wooden, rungs. Since it was an afternoon for rest from the usual chores, much like Sunday, it was dubbed rope yarn Sunday. Since it was an afternoon for rest from the usual chores, much like Sunday, it was dubbed rope yarn Sunday. Head sea A sea where waves are directly opposing the motion of the ship. The ones for the flags are called signal halyards. To all seafarers the marine toilet is referred to as a head. Today, flat runged flexible ladders are also called Jacob's ladders. And, hanging from the clapper of our ship’s bell is the bell rope. this name is derived from the fact that it tends aft, is located in the forward half of the ship (hence the word "bow") and is a spring line (in this case it prevent the forward motion of the ship.) Other names can apply to lighter ropes used in other applications. This term applies in particular to the big, heavy ropes used to tie ships to piers and the like. The term appeared so frequently on the messdeck that it naturally lent its name to the sailors who had to eat it. space for storing things in a boat or vehicle. Through the years the terms merged and were Americanized, hence any line used to tie a ship to the pier is called "mooring line." This pendant is used to moor or there are no ropes on a ship. The term Jacob's ladder, used on a ship, applies to two kinds of rope ladders. Other names can apply to lighter ropes used in other applications. Head rope Part of the bolt rope, at the head of a sail, running from the mast to the sprit. The lines sometimes used to make railings are called guard lines. What’s the difference; Rope, Line, or Sheets? The Middle Dutch word "maren" meant "to tie," and the Middle English words "moren rap" meant "ship's rope." In the days of the old Navy, a ropeyarn Sunday was a half-day off to sew and perform personal tasks.