Marlinspike portion of AB exam

[dmckenzie]

So I take my AB exam on Monday and I'm just about comfortable with all the sections. I have been working on traditional sail ships for the past few years so I think I am comfortable with anything they can throw at me for the practical portion but I was hoping that folks could give me an idea of what they would be asking to see from me (ie any specific knots that always come up or some odd ones they might want to throw at someone coming from my background). Just trying to get a better idea of what to expect so appreciate any help you folks can give.

Dan

[silverbk]

Know all your knots,I had to actually tie them for my AB.

Expect a bunch of questions on old cargo gear, block and tackles and if you are taking lifeboatman with it, there are some very old obsolete questions.

[Jeffrox]

Get you oar commands memorized and be able to demonstrate them! I had to tie common knots, hitches, a splice, backsplice an eye, whip the line end.

[seacomber]

There are 18 knots from which the examiner chooses 10 from for you to tie in front of him. If you are nailing em fast and consistantly he will just tell you to tie whatever knot you want in the end. These 18 knots are listed in the CG website under Able Seaman Examination information.
I sat for my AB ticket 7 years ago, studied Houston Marines books, and got questions about tug boats and the environment which i had not seen before. Like what does "In Irons" mean?

[MariaW]

I sat for my AB ticket 7 years ago, studied Houston Marines books, and got questions about tug boats and the environment which i had not seen before. Like what does "In Irons" mean?

LOL. Were you going for a sail endorsement and didn't know it?

[dmckenzie]

Seacomber, that is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks a lot for that. Wish me luck I guess.

Dan