Securing at Sea Tips for latching and attaching. • Use line strong enough to hold the gear. • Make certain the line is in good condition. Make fast the belay objects from at least two points that, preferably, are near the object. • Lash tightly all objects against something solid (such as the bulkhead). • Make the lashings taut so that the object will not “work” with the pitch and roll of the ship. Frequently check all lashings, and tighten as necessary. • Use chafing gears on sharp corners and rough surfaces. • Never make fast your lashings to electric cables or small slightly secured pipes, lagged pipes, door and hatch dogs or hinges, electric motors, lifeline stanchions, or anything not solidly secured. • Never block access to vents, fireplugs, switches, valves, doors, or hatches.
Never underestimate the force of the sea!